Nguyễn Đình Bắc celebrating his opening goal in the match against Cambodia on Friday. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

Anh Đức

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam national football team progressed into the semifinals of the 2026 ASEAN Championship finishing top of Group A with a 3-1 win against Cambodia on Friday night.

A double from tournament top scorer Nguyễn Đình Bắc and an own goal by Cambodian defender Im Vakhim were enough to seal victory for Kim Sang-sik's team, despite Cambodia netting late in the second half.

The victory at Mỹ Đình National Stadium extended Việt Nam's winning streak against Cambodia to twelve games, a record that stretches back to 1995. But the way the Golden Star Warriors won was a lot harder than what fans had anticipated.

All local players started the match for the home side, as Nguyễn Quang Hải returned to the starting line-up in place of Nguyễn Tài Lộc (Geovane).

Việt Nam dominated the match and at times even accrued more than 80 per cent of possession time. However, the first dangerous chance went to Cambodia in the 14th minute, as Nguyễn Thành Chung was dispossessed by Bong Samuel, who eventually sent the ball way over in a one-on-one with Lê Giang Patrik.

The men in red got their opener just four minutes later, courtesy of a superstar moment by Đình Bắc, as Việt Nam's No.9 dribbled past three Cambodian players before firing a shot that curled into the bottom corner.

Coach Kim brought on Nguyễn Xuân Son in the second half, hoping to create more chances. Việt Nam increased the pressure and did have a plethora of opportunities going their way, but the finishing by the attackers was wasteful.

The hosts paid the price in the 71st minute with an equaliser from naturalised striker Iago Bento, who powered past a lethargic Vietnamese defence and made Việt Nam concede their first goal this tournament with a cheeky finish.

But with only six minutes before regulation time ended, Việt Nam finally capitalised on their opponent's mistakes to grab the win. In the 84th minute, a great through ball by Lê Phạm Thành Long found Xuân Son free. The Brazilian tried to lob the keeper but was way off target. Fortunately for Việt Nam, Vakhim poked the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear the danger.

The addition of Thành Long was immense, as he created another goal in the 89th minute with a precise long ball towards Đình Bắc. The young star, in a one-on-one with keeper Salim Koy, elected to chip the keeper and was successful, ending the match with a 3-1 victory for Việt Nam.

"After the bad matches, I took a hard look at myself," said Đình Bắc.

"I trained hard during practice, and I want to dedicate my goals today to the fans who placed their trust in me."

Meanwhile in Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium, the hosts advanced with a 1-1 draw against title contenders Indonesia. The result also eliminated Indonesia right at the group stage, despite the Garuda grabbing two wins in their opening matches.

Việt Nam will face the runners-up of Group B in the first leg of the semifinals on August 16. The second leg will take place in Mỹ Đình on August 19. — VNS