The Singapore team is having a favorable start at ASEAN Cup 2026 with two consecutive victories, thereby winning all 6 points after the first two matches.
The next challenge for the "Lions" will be the away match at My Dinh Stadium against the reigning champion Vietnam. This is considered Singapore's biggest test since the beginning of the tournament, especially when they lost to Vietnam with a total score of 1-5 in the semi-finals of the tournament a year and a half ago.
The last time Singapore defeated Vietnam was in 1998, in the Tiger Cup final. At that time, Sasikumar's famous goal helped the island nation win the first regional championship in history.
With their current form, a draw at My Dinh Stadium can also be considered a success for Singapore, because it will help them maintain the top spot in Group A before facing Indonesia in the final match.
However, coach Gavin Lee affirmed that his team did not come to Vietnam just to defend and look for a point.
That relates to the values we have always pursued. We don't want to fall into any extremes. The important thing is to maintain the game, regardless of who the opponent is. If we can do that, we are capable of causing difficulties for most teams" - Coach Gavin Lee shared at the pre-match press conference.
According to the Singaporean strategist, the most important thing is that the players must maintain concentration throughout 90 minutes and control what is within their ability.
We know this will be a very difficult match. But from the first minute to the last minute, our task is to maintain the game and let the playing style bring the team to the desired goal" - the Singaporean captain added.
Striker Ilhan Fandi also expressed determination before the match against the Vietnamese team: "The only thing we focus on is the upcoming match. If we play well or win, it will create great motivation for the remaining journey of the tournament, especially the match against Indonesia.
We know it won't be easy, but the whole team is ready. As I often say, if you do your best, let God decide the rest.
Not only aiming for a positive result, coach Gavin Lee also sees the confrontation with Vietnam as an important measure for the development of Singaporean football.
Our bigger goal is the Asian Cup. Vietnam also participates in that tournament, so this is a very good test to assess where we are and what needs to be improved. However, we are very excited about this challenge. I know my players always like big matches" - Coach Gavin Lee emphasized.
The match between Vietnam and Singapore at ASEAN Cup 2026 takes place at 8:00 PM on July 31st at My Dinh Stadium.
