Coach Kim Sang Sik maintains a 'cool head' for his players

Vietnam's 7-0 triumph over Timor Leste marked a flawless debut in the ASEAN Cup 2026, but head coach Kim Sang Sik realizes that this is just the beginning.

Facing a team that needed to win a playoff to reach the group stage, a heavy victory was almost expected.

What matters more is that the players remain clear-headed, keep refining their tactics, and limit mistakes as much as possible if they wish to retain the championship and pursue larger objectives.

Seven goals, three points, and top spot in Group A after the first matchday is a start that couldn't be more impressive ofthe Vietnamese squad.

In a match where the offense was on fire, Kim Sang Sik's men showcased high-speed, incisive, and efficient football to beat Timor Leste 7-0 at the Chonburi Stadium.

This victory marks the most significant win for Vietnam under Kim Sang Sik's tenure in the ASEAN Cup. However, the South Korean tactician is the first to recognize that such a result should not foster a sense of resting on one's laurels.

Timor Leste were a side that needed to win a playoff to secure a group stage berth. The professional gap between the two teams is substantial, and the 7-0 scoreline rightly mirrors the power disparity. While a heavy victory over such a team was anticipated by supporters, it is not a yardstick to assert that Vietnam has reached perfection.

Upon closer examination of the 90 minutes at Chonburi,the Vietnamese teamstill have thought-provoking lulls. Although the offensive line performed spectacularly, the defensive setup revealed spaces that more formidable adversaries could certainly exploit.

Timor Leste's only two dangerous moments came from the side where Van Hau was positioned. The gap between the right center-back and the wing-back was occasionally poorly managed, enabling the opposition to advance down the touchline and deliver crosses.

Actually, Coach Kim Sang Sik deliberately sprung a surprise by deploying the central defender from Hanoi Police FC on the right flank rather than his customary left position, with the goal of making it more difficult for the opposition to anticipate.

Earlier, Nhat Minh had not inspired confidence in the friendly match against Myanmar, prompting the coaching staff to make a personnel adjustment. Nevertheless, this change did not yield complete effectiveness, as the right side continued to be the zone most targeted by Timor Leste.

Fortunately for the Vietnam team, their opponent lacked the class to turn opportunities into goals. However, Singapore and Indonesia will present a different challenge. These direct rivals in Group A boast superior squad quality, quicker transitions, and far more clinical finishing.

While the defense still requires some fine-tuning, the attacking line has delivered plenty of encouraging signals. The player who made the most significant impact isDinh Bac. His three goals against Timor Leste were not merely a hat-trick; they also served as a declaration of the 22-year-old forward's development.

Hoang Hen is equally worthy of acclaim. His two first-half goals demonstrated the striker's remarkable calmness. Without superfluous touches or over-the-top displays of skill, Hoang Hen consistently made the right choices when it mattered most. That is the hallmark of a forward currently in top form.

Meanwhile, Xuan Son experienced a rather peculiar game. The naturalized forward remained energetic in his runs, challenges, and space creation, yet he was unfortunate in his finishing.

The 2026 ASEAN Cup is only in its infancy. Timor Leste was not formidable enough to gauge the full extent of Vietnam's strength. More challenging examinations against Singapore and then Indonesia lie ahead.