Vietnam and Thailand face each other at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, in a match that could go a long way toward deciding who tops Group B and advances to the final.

Both teams opened their campaigns with victories. Thailand swept aside Pakistan 4-0, while Vietnam edged the Philippines 1-0, extending their unbeaten run under Kim to 27 matches.

For Vietnam, avoiding defeat would leave them in control of their destiny heading into the final group game. Thailand, meanwhile, have greater incentive to win as they look to avoid uncertainty ahead of their meeting with a difficult Philippines side.

But Kim is not preparing his team merely to settle for a draw.

“This is a good and important opportunity for Vietnam to finish top of the group,” the South Korean coach said. “We will give everything we have to win.”

Kim said his staff had studied Thailand extensively through video analysis and was familiar with their strengths and weaknesses following the teams’ two recent meetings in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

“We know their strengths and weaknesses, so we need to focus on attacking,” he said.

Vietnam plan second-half attacking push

Kim revealed that Vietnam intend to remain disciplined early before stepping up their attacking game after the break.

“We have a strength in the second half,” he said. “In the first half, the players will follow the formation we have agreed on. After that, we will focus on attacking and exploiting the space behind the opposition to create scoring opportunities. We will try to turn those chances into goals and beat Thailand,” he said.

Kim nevertheless acknowledged the quality of the Thai side, particularly their technical ability and creativity in midfield.

“Thailand's players have very good individual skills and technique and can be considered among the best in Southeast Asia,” he said. “Their midfielders are very creative, which can cause difficulties for Vietnam's defense. We have analyzed them through video, and if we prepare well, we can deal with Thailand.”

Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Hai Long echoed his coach's confidence while stressing respect for their regional rivals.

“We have great respect for Thailand, but we will do everything we can to win,” Hai Long said. “Whenever I get an opportunity, I will try to score and contribute to the team's overall performance.”

Xuan Son injury forces Vietnam to reshuffle

Vietnam's preparations have been complicated by the loss of several key players.

After Van Vi, Thanh Chung and Quang Hai were ruled out through injury, striker Nguyen Xuan Son was also forced to leave the squad. He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

“Because of his injury, Xuan Son will return to Vietnam tomorrow,” Kim said. “Personally, I feel very sad, and this is also a major loss for the national team. I want to apologize to Vietnamese football fans in general and Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in particular over this incident. I hope Xuan Son receives good treatment, recovers soon and returns to the national team in the best possible condition.”

Hai Long described the striker's absence as a major setback but said the squad was ready to respond.

“Losing Xuan Son is a big loss, but the coaching staff will have a replacement plan,” he said. “Everyone is ready to fight for Xuan Son.”

One possible solution is 19-year-old Vietnamese-origin newcomer Williams Minh Hoang, who impressed in the opening match by delivering the low cross that led to Dinh Bac's goal against the Philippines.

Minh Hoang could partner Dinh Bac in attack against Thailand.

Kim also has a sizeable group of overseas Vietnamese players at his disposal, including goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, Adou Minh, Cao Quang Vinh, Ngo Dang Khoa and Minh Hoang. Naturalized players Hoang Hen and Tai Loc provide further options.

Hoang Hen is expected to play an important role and could move further forward following Xuan Son's injury.

Hoang Duc fitness could be crucial

Another major question surrounds Nguyen Hoang Duc, who missed Vietnam's opening game with a minor injury.

The midfielder's possible return would strengthen a Vietnam side expected to face a much more formidable Thailand than the one they encountered in the ASEAN Cup final.

Vietnamese football commentator Quang Huy said he was particularly looking forward to a potential midfield battle between Hoang Duc and Thailand star Chanathip Songkrasin.

“I hope Hoang Duc returns and makes Vietnam's midfield stronger,” Quang Huy said. “Personally, I am particularly looking forward to the matchup between Hoang Duc and Chanathip, two of Southeast Asia's top-class players.”

Quang Huy warned that Thailand have quality throughout their squad and are capable of winning matches in different ways.

“Notably, Chanathip was rested in the first match so he could be unleashed against Vietnam,” he said.

He believes Vietnam could hurt Thailand through quick transitions and tactical flexibility.

“We can create transitions to catch them by surprise,” Quang Huy said. “We need to be more diverse in the way we play. With Kim Sang Sik's coaching style, I think this will be a tactical chess match in which Vietnam can do something Thailand does not expect.”

Quang Huy predicted Vietnam could earn at least a draw and tipped Kim's side to win 2-1.

Thailand eye revenge after ASEAN Cup defeat

Thailand arrive with their own powerful motivation.

The “War Elephants” are seeking revenge after losing to Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2026 final just a month ago.

Vietnam won the first leg 2-0 in Thailand before drawing 2-2 in the return match to lift the trophy. The results form part of an extraordinary unbeaten run under Kim.

Thai sports newspaper Siam Sport highlighted that record ahead of the latest encounter, warning the home audience about Vietnam's consistency.

Vietnam's 1-0 victory over the Philippines extended their unbeaten streak under Kim to 27 matches, comprising 23 wins and four draws.

Their last defeat came in a friendly against Thailand, when they lost 2-1 on Sept. 10, 2024.

“Vietnam bring a 27-match unbeaten run as a warning ahead of the Thailand clash,” Siam Sport wrote.

The Thai newspaper nevertheless framed the match around Thailand's desire for revenge, declaring that the “War Elephants are determined to settle the score.”

Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has also made clear how seriously his team is taking the match.

His squad for the tournament is significantly different from the one that faced Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup final, with several leading players returning.

Hudson rested Chanathip entirely during the 4-0 victory over Pakistan, while Supachok and Supachai only entered in the second half.

Thailand still dominated the opening match, recording 61% possession, 24 shots and 23 crosses despite not fielding their strongest lineup. Their greater emphasis on attacking from wide areas is another feature Vietnam will have to contend with.

The Football Association of Thailand has also handed Hudson a boost ahead of the game by extending the English coach's contract until February 2028.

A tactical dilemma for Kim

Vietnam may have a favorable position in the group, but Kim faces a delicate balancing act.

A draw would be a useful result and could leave Vietnam needing a big win against Pakistan, regarded as the weakest team in Group B, to complete their push for a place in the final.

Yet injuries have made team selection more complicated.

Beyond Xuan Son's absence, Kim must carefully manage players who have endured a demanding schedule, with Hoang Duc, Tai Loc and Xuan Manh among those whose fitness requires particular attention.

Hoang Duc's situation is especially sensitive after his minor injury kept him out against the Philippines even as Vietnam struggled to break down their opponents.

Kim therefore has to balance the desire to beat Thailand with the need to avoid taking excessive risks with his players.

Thailand, meanwhile, have little reason to hold back.

Hudson's side showed against Pakistan that they have considerable attacking depth, while the return of Chanathip and other senior players gives the War Elephants more options than they had in their recent meetings with Vietnam.

Battle for Southeast Asian supremacy

Despite the injury problems, Vietnam have reasons for confidence.

Their likely lineup combines experience with youth and includes several Vietnamese-origin players who could play prominent roles.

Patrik Le Giang is expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper, with Xuan Manh, Adou Minh and Viet Anh forming the back three. Tien Anh and Quang Vinh are likely to operate on the flanks, while Thanh Long and, fitness permitting, Hoang Duc could anchor midfield.

Hoang Hen could play in an advanced midfield role, with Minh Hoang and Dinh Bac leading the attack.

Thailand, however, are stronger than they were a month ago and arrive determined to avenge their ASEAN Cup defeat.

Siam Sport expects Thailand to take the initiative while Vietnam defend compactly and look for counterattacking opportunities. Despite Thailand's revenge narrative, the newspaper offered a cautious 1-1 prediction.

Quang Huy is more optimistic about Vietnam.

“Against Thailand, Vietnam cannot rely on any single individual,” he said. “The whole team needs to play well and give its best. As for the score, I think Vietnam can get anything from a draw to a win, and I lean toward a 2-1 victory for Vietnam.”

With Thailand seeking revenge, Vietnam defending a 27-match unbeaten run and both teams targeting the only ticket to the final from Group B, another intense chapter in Southeast Asian football's biggest rivalry awaits in Bandung.

Predicted lineups

Vietnam: Patrik Le Giang, Adou Minh, Viet Anh, Xuan Manh, Tien Anh, Quang Vinh, Thanh Long, Hoang Duc, Hoang Hen, Williams Minh Hoang, Dinh Bac.

Thailand: Patiwat; Nattapong, Chaiyaphon, Bihr, Sarach Yooyen, Chanathip, Teerasak, Kaman, Jude Soonsup-Bell, Seksan, Suphanan.

Dai Nam - Ngoc Huy - Duy Nguyen