Football

Vietnamese players in a training session. They will start their ASEAN Cup title campaign against Timor-Leste on July 24 in Thailand. — Photos courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Kim Sang-sik has confirmed Việt Nam's ambition to defend their ASEAN Cup title but said his team would focus on one match at a time in the group stage of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Việt Nam will face Timor-Leste in their opening Group A match on July 24, with the South Korean coach targeting victory for a smooth start to the campaign.

“We are the defending champions and are under considerable pressure. It will certainly not be an easy tournament. However, we are confident and have prepared well for the competition,” Kim said at a press conference on July 23 in Chonburi, Thailand, which Timor-Leste have chosen as their home venue.

"We will play well each match and expect to have best performance throughout the championship to defend our title."

Kim, however, said there was surprise in football and Việt Nam researched their upcoming rival to ensure first three points of the tournament.

“We have analysed Timor Leste carefully, their strong and weak points. My players are asked to capitalise every the opportunity to get off to a good start, playing with positive energy and strict discipline,” he said.

Coach Kim Sang-sik (right) and midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức of Việt Nam at the press conference on July 23.

Attending the conference, midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức said Việt Nam team were ready for the campaign. The first match would be always a challenge but his side would give the best for a win result.

Meanwhile, Việt Nam captain Nguyễn Quang Hải declared his side's readiness after a quality training camp in South Korea to retain the title for the first time after the squad lifted the trophy for the third time in the country’s history in 2024.

"The atmosphere within the team over the past few weeks has been very positive,” says Hải. “We've prepared thoroughly in every aspect, including our fitness, tactical approach and overall football readiness.

“I believe we're fully prepared for the tournament now. The focus, commitment and quality we've shown in every training session reflect the unity of this team and the hard work we've put in ahead of the competition."

On the other hand, coach Jose Pedro admitted that his side were inferior to the Vietnamese team in every aspect and would meet huge challenge when facing the reigning champions in the opener.

Portuguese Jose Pedro of Timor-Leste believe in his side's team solidarity. — Photo thethao247.vn

 The Portuguese coach said there was a significant gap between the two sides, with Việt Nam ranked more than 100 places higher than Timor-Leste in the FIFA world rankings.

Further, Timor-Leste cannot play at home because its stadiums do not meet the required standards. Although they will be the nominal hosts for their opening match, they will not enjoy the strong home support that would normally come with playing on home soil.

He believed that Việt Nam were strong because of naturalised players but quality players in all lines.

"I really respect Việt Nam. They are defending champions and proved their strength in previous tournament. Their three naturalised players are the major factors setting this team apart," said Pedro

"However, Việt Nam's strength lies in their strong, cohesive unit across the attack, midfield, and defence. Meanwhile, those three are capable of making a difference at any moment during the match."

Pedro said Timor Leste attended the tournament not for losses. Their team spirit was the great weapon to fight against stronger teams.

"We defeated Brunei in the playoff to earn our slot in the finals. It wasn't due to an individual player but the entire team's contribution," said Pedro.

"We are heading into the match against the defending champions with a mindset of learning. Timor-Leste's mission is to give our all and do the best we possibly can. We will play as a united team and deliver the best possible response in the first match."

The match will begin at 8.30pm at the Chonburi Stadium and will be live aired on VTV channels. — VNS