Vietnam's team is ready for the ASEAN Cup 2026 second-leg semifinal.

If successful, Kim Sang-sik and his players will reach the tournament's final for the second consecutive time. Defending the title would be a historic achievement, rewriting Vietnam's football legacy.

After their away match in Malaysia, Kim Sang-sik's squad returned to My Dinh with a significant advantage, having won 2-0. This result gives Vietnam a comfortable lead before the return leg. However, the coaching staff insists the team remain focused and thoroughly prepare for the upcoming match.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has asked the players to continue analyzing the issues that arose during the match in Kuala Lumpur, particularly in controlling the game's tempo and organizing defense under pressure from the opponent.

The coaching staff prioritized player recovery as soon as the team returned to Vietnam. The tight travel schedule and intense match frequency are putting the players' physical condition under significant strain.

According to the plan, on the afternoon of August 18, Vietnam will train at My Dinh Stadium. This is the only training session before the second-leg semifinal, making it crucial. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his staff will continue reviewing tactical issues and finalizing the game plan for the rematch against Malaysia.

The South Korean tactician told his players that the team has only completed half the journey. With nothing to lose, Malaysia is certain to push forward and increase the tempo from the opening minutes to find a goal. Complacency is forbidden, especially given the painful memory of the 2014 season, which serves as a warning. Back then, Vietnam won the first-leg semifinal but lost to Malaysia in the return leg, suffering a heartbreaking elimination.

Coach Kim Sang-sik also instructed the team to thoroughly examine the shortcomings from the first leg to improve both the defensive system and transition play, avoiding any complacency when returning to My Dinh for the return leg.

The attacking spearhead for Vietnam in the home match against Malaysia remains striker Nguyen Xuan Son. The Brazilian-born forward has maintained an incredible scoring rate, netting 14 goals in 14 appearances for the national team. In knockout rounds (semifinals and finals) alone, Xuan Son has scored 6 goals, matching the achievements of legends such as Chanathip Songkrasin and Woorawut Srimaka, and is now just two goals short of Teerasil Dangda's record.

Coach Kim Sang-sik is likely to use a flexible 3-4-3 formation that shifts to 5-4-1 when defending. Vietnam doesn't need to take excessive risks but will prioritize controlling the midfield, waiting for opportunities to deliver through balls to fast wingers.

Vietnam is also planning squad rotation for the return leg. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Coach Kim Sang-sik can focus on playing safely, keeping a clean sheet, and capitalizing on chances to attack. Playing too many consecutive matches could lead to fatigue and injuries, so he will make sensible personnel adjustments to ensure the team performs well and preserves energy for the decisive two-legged final.

The second-leg semifinal between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place at 8:00 PM on August 19 at My Dinh Stadium.