Vietnam’s attack made an emphatic statement with seven goals against Timor-Leste in their opening match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, but a tougher test awaits against Singapore, with defensive vulnerabilities and a notoriously strict referee adding to the challenge.

Vietnam could hardly have asked for a better start to their ASEAN Cup title defense, cruising to a 7-0 victory over Timor-Leste.

In truth, a win for the “Golden Star Warriors” had been widely expected, with Timor-Leste regarded as one of the weakest teams in Group A. They had previously struggled to overcome Brunei in the playoff for a place at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

After the match, coach Kim Sang Sik urged his players to keep their feet on the ground and quickly put the comfortable opening victory behind them as they prepare for much sterner tests against Singapore and, in particular, Indonesia.

Still, Vietnam’s performance deserves recognition. The defending champions showed their attacking firepower while executing their tactics and style of play with clarity, reflecting thorough preparation for the tournament.

Vietnam completely dominated their opponents, but few would have expected them to score five goals in the opening 45 minutes. Dinh Bac was the standout figure in attack. Handed a starting role, the CAHN (Hanoi Police) FC striker showed his determination to stake a claim for a regular place amid competition from his naturalized teammates.

Dinh Bac was not alone in earning praise. Hoang Hen, Xuan Son and Quang Hai also impressed. Timor-Leste may have been a weaker opponent, but that should not detract from the fact that Vietnam’s players made the most of the opportunity.

Following the emphatic victory, Vietnam’s attack will be expected to maintain its momentum when the team hosts Singapore. At the same time, Kim Sang Sik will need to make adjustments and carefully consider his defensive setup, as Singapore are rated a stronger side than Timor-Leste.

Despite laboring to a 2-1 victory over Cambodia in their opening match, Singapore are not an opponent to be taken lightly. Gavin Lee’s side will certainly have noticed the vulnerabilities Vietnam exposed against Timor-Leste, particularly the space behind the defensive midfielder and gaps around the center-backs and wide players. These were also issues Vietnam encountered in their friendly against Myanmar before the tournament.

Singapore will present a tougher challenge and are capable of punishing their opponents’ mistakes. Yet facing stronger opposition could ultimately benefit the defending champions, giving Vietnam an opportunity to address their weaknesses while building experience and resilience for the genuinely difficult matches that lie ahead.

Adding another element to the July 31 encounter at My Dinh Stadium is the appointment of Japanese referee Hiroki Kasahara, an experienced official known for his strict approach.

Kasahara will be joined by assistant referees Michiyama Satoshi of Japan, Rawut Nakarit of Thailand and Wiwat Jumpaaon of Thailand for the Vietnam-Singapore match.

Born in 1989, Kasahara has held FIFA referee status since 2020 and is regarded as one of Japanese football’s experienced officials. He has built a reputation for being strict. Across 110 matches in Japan’s J.League, Kasahara has shown 299 yellow cards, an average of 2.72 per match, as well as 14 red cards and awarded 33 penalties.

This will be the fourth time Kasahara has been invited to officiate at the ASEAN Cup. The Japanese referee has been at the center of controversy in several matches he has handled, including the 2023 AFF U23 Championship final between Vietnam and Indonesia.

More recently, during the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Kasahara again drew controversy over several decisions following Indonesia’s 3-3 draw with Laos.

Vietnam, meanwhile, have already turned their attention to preparations for Singapore. After returning home from Thailand, Xuan Son and his teammates resumed training on the morning of July 27.

Coach Kim Sang Sik received a boost with the return of Nguyen Tai Loc. Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, however, remains sidelined through injury.

With seven goals already providing an early demonstration of their attacking potential, Vietnam now face a more meaningful examination. Singapore offer a stronger test of the defending champions’ defensive organization, composure and ability to maintain their momentum as the ASEAN Cup campaign gathers pace.

Dai Nam