Vietnam face Malaysia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 third-place playoff with more than a medal at stake, as Kim Sang Sik's side seek to protect their world top-100 ranking while managing injuries after a taxing 4-2 win over Pakistan.
Vietnam secured second place in Group B and a place in the third-place playoff after coming from behind to beat Pakistan 4-2 at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on October 2.
The scoreline, however, did not tell the full story.
Pakistan took the lead in the 31st minute and remained ahead until the 50th, with Vietnam struggling for cohesion in attack and looking vulnerable defensively during a difficult first half.
Indonesian sports outlet Bola described Vietnam as below their best and "sluggish," particularly before the break. It noted that Kim's players struggled to build attacks, lacked cohesion and conceded the opener after losing concentration in defense.
Kim acknowledged the problems, pointing in particular to the demanding conditions in Jakarta.
"We have to admit that the weather was very hot. The conditions significantly affected the players' concentration in the first half, which led to us conceding," the South Korean coach said.
Vietnam improved dramatically after the break as Kim made personnel changes and Pakistan began to tire.
Hai Long, Hoang Duc, Nguyen Dinh Bac and Williams Minh Hoang scored as Vietnam completed the comeback, although Pakistan found the net for a second time before the result was finally settled in stoppage time.
Kim credited the substitutes with changing the momentum.
"I was particularly satisfied with the players' performance in the second half. When the coaching staff brought on players with more energy, they made a positive impact and helped the team play better," he said.
Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano also pointed to his players' declining fitness as a decisive factor.
"We played well in the first half, put pressure on our opponents, covered well and controlled the game. But in the second half, the players became tired and the defense dropped too deep, creating a lot of space for Vietnam to score," Solano said.
He nevertheless praised Vietnam as a strong team and singled out Dinh Bac, who scored once and provided two assists after coming on.
"He is very good. After coming on, Dinh Bac caused Pakistan a lot of problems on the left wing," Solano said.
Victory comes at a cost
For Vietnam, however, the comeback came with concerns ahead of the Malaysia match.
The team's first-half problems were not limited to tactics. Several players appeared to be struggling physically, while Tai Loc, Hoang Hen and Bui Hoang Viet Anh were among those unable to finish the match.
That leaves Kim with a difficult balancing act as Vietnam prepare for their fourth game of the tournament with only two days of rest.
The coach said the medical condition of his players would continue to be assessed and indicated that those who have seen less playing time could be given opportunities against Malaysia.
"This will be our fourth match of the tournament, but we will still approach the next game as if it were a final," Kim said. "Vietnam only have two days to rest before playing again. Players having injury problems is something that can happen. The coaching staff will continue checking their condition. At the same time, I also want to give opportunities to players who have not played much at this tournament."
The fitness concerns are particularly significant given Vietnam's longer-term commitments, including the 2027 Asian Cup.
Having already missed out on the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final following their decisive defeat to Thailand, Vietnam now face the question of how aggressively to pursue third place without placing further strain on key players.
Dinh Bac leads second-half revival
Vietnam have an opportunity to close the gap on Thailand in the FIFA world rankings. Photo: V.A
One of the clearest positives from the Pakistan game was Dinh Bac.
The forward scored a spectacular goal and contributed two assists. It was also the third time at the tournament that the Cong An Ha Noi FC player had worn the captain's armband.
"I am very happy that Vietnam won," Dinh Bac said. "Whether we start or come off the bench, we all try to meet the requirements of coach Kim Sang Sik and the coaching staff. The whole team stayed united to get today's victory."
On captaining the team, he added: "Wearing the captain's armband brings greater responsibility. I try to live up to the expectations of the head coach, the coaching staff and my teammates."
Dinh Bac said Vietnam would quickly turn their attention to Malaysia, a side he believes has many quality players.
Williams Minh Hoang, meanwhile, celebrated his first goal for the national team after sealing the 4-2 victory.
"I am very happy and proud that Vietnam came back strongly after the defeat to Thailand. Especially in the second half, the whole team showed tremendous spirit to turn the match around," he said. "I feel grateful to wear the national team shirt and score my first goal. I just work hard every day in training, give everything in matches and hope I can adapt as quickly as possible to contribute to the team."
FIFA ranking adds another dimension
The Malaysia game will also carry implications for Vietnam's position in the FIFA world rankings.
Vietnam currently sit 99th in the world, while Thailand are around 93rd. Thailand's surprise 2-1 defeat to the Philippines cost them 6.57 ranking points, leaving the gap between Southeast Asia's leading sides relatively narrow.
A victory over Malaysia is projected to earn Vietnam around two to three FIFA ranking points. While modest, the gain could help Kim's side consolidate their position inside the world's top 100 and close the gap on Thailand.
If Thailand also lose to Indonesia in the final, the gap could narrow further, strengthening Vietnam's chances of challenging for Southeast Asia's top ranking.
A defeat to Malaysia would carry greater consequences. Because Malaysia are ranked considerably lower, Vietnam could lose around four to five points, potentially dropping out of the world's top 100.
Malaysia, by contrast, could gain around four to five points by beating the higher-ranked Vietnamese side, while a defeat would cost them only around two points.
Thailand also face significant ranking pressure in their final against Indonesia. Another defeat could cost the "War Elephants" an estimated 5.5-6.5 points. Combined with the points lost against the Philippines, Thailand could shed more than 11 FIFA ranking points during the tournament.
For Vietnam, the third-place playoff therefore represents more than an opportunity to finish the tournament with a medal. It is also a chance to defend their place in the world's top 100 and potentially reshape the race for Southeast Asia's highest FIFA ranking.
Kim, however, is keeping the immediate focus on Malaysia.
"Malaysia have changed a lot compared with the ASEAN Cup 2026. But for us, that is not too important. Vietnam are only focused on what we need to prepare," he said.
Vietnam face Malaysia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 third-place playoff at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium at 4 p.m. on October 5.
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