ASEAN fans react strongly as U19 Vietnam dominates Timor Leste in opener

The 3-0 win against U19 Timor Leste helped U19 Vietnam begin favorably in the 2026 ASEAN U19 tournament, while also receiving many compliments from fans across the region.

U19 Vietnam's opening match at the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship went smoothly, securing a comprehensive win over U19 Timor Leste. As early as the 2nd minute, Hoang Cong Hau capitalized on a clever through ball from Duc Vu to finish coolly and open the scoring at 1-0.

After the early goal, U19 Vietnam deliberately slowed the pace, maintained tight ball control, and conserved energy. Although the match tempo was rather relaxed, the dominance of coach Yutaka Ikeuchi's men was still underscored by a second goal in the 83rd minute, thanks to a beautiful scissor-kick finish by Cong Hau.

In the 90th minute, the number 9 striker charged forward powerfully, faced the goalkeeper, and calmly deceived him to complete his hat-trick, sealing a resounding 3-0 victory for U19 Vietnam.

Right after the final whistle, the composed performance of the golden star warriors became a hot topic on major regional football forums. On the ASEAN Football, a wave of fans from all over Southeast Asia continuously left comments praising the strength of the red-shirted team.

A fan from Thailand marveled, saying: “U19 Vietnam plays so fast and clinical! It took them just 2 minutes to tear apart the opponent's defense. With this disciplined and imposing style of play, they are definitely the strongest contender for this year's title.”

Sharing the same view, an Indonesian fan expressed admiration for the young players' quality:

“The way Vietnam completely controls the tempo of the match and finishes off opponents is truly world-class. Watching them play feels like watching a major continental team, not just a regional one anymore.”

Meanwhile, a passionate fan from Malaysia was particularly impressed by the stunning goal that sealed the win from Vietnam's number 9 and issued a warning to other group opponents:

“Timor Leste is not weak; they fought bravely, but Vietnam is simply on another level. Looking at their well-balanced squad and sharp tactical thinking, other big teams in Group A like hosts Indonesia or Myanmar will surely be trembling when facing them.”

This smooth start not only relieved psychological pressure for coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his players but also affirmed their status as a top youth football power. The recognition and praise from the international community serve as a great spiritual boost for U19 Vietnam to confidently aim for greater goals in this year's tournament.