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Nguyen Xuan Son scored twice during Vietnam's training camp in South Korea. Photo: Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)

On July 13, Vietnam wrapped up its training camp in South Korea with a 2-1 victory over Gangwon FC. Across three friendly matches, Kim Sang Sik's side recorded three consecutive wins, scoring 10 goals while conceding only twice.

The final warm-up match stood out because it was the first time Kim deployed his strongest available lineup from the opening whistle. The preferred starting XI played for around 60 minutes before being replaced entirely by reserve players.

Against the strongest opponent Vietnam faced during the training camp, Nguyen Xuan Son and his teammates produced an encouraging performance. Xuan Son scored Vietnam's equalizer to make it 1-1, taking his tally to two goals during the South Korea camp.

Kim's decision to start his strongest lineup was intended to assess the team's overall strength and evaluate how effectively his tactical system functioned under competitive conditions.

Based on images released by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) after the match, the starting lineup featured many familiar faces who are expected to form the backbone of Vietnam's squad at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

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Vietnam's preferred starting lineup is beginning to take shape. Photo: Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)

In goal, newcomer Patrik Le Giang started ahead of experienced goalkeeper Dang Van Lam. The Ho Chi Minh City Police FC goalkeeper has impressed Kim Sang Sik with his strong form and determination during his first national team call-up.

In the three-man central defense, Do Duy Manh continues to recover from injury. He was replaced on the right side of the back three by Xuan Manh, alongside Thanh Chung and Nhat Minh, who operated as the left-sided center-back.

Further forward, Tien Anh and Van Hau occupied the wing-back positions, while Hoang Duc and Hai Long formed the central midfield pairing behind Nguyen Quang Hai, who played in a more advanced attacking role.

Up front, Kim Sang Sik selected an attacking quartet consisting of Hoang Hen on the right, Tai Loc as the supporting forward, Dinh Bac on the left and Nguyen Xuan Son as the central striker.

The lineup is widely viewed as Vietnam's strongest available combination, with Kim Sang Sik hoping the team can maximize its potential as it begins the defense of its ASEAN Cup title.

Dai Nam