"The opening match is always the toughest," Coach Kim said at the recent post-match press conference, expressing gratitude to fans and congratulating the team. "Although the players have only trained together for a few days, we secured three points in our opener. The team will look forward to the next matches together."

Addressing the upcoming fixtures against Thailand and Pakistan, Coach Kim noted that Thailand plays with full intensity and focus. "Thailand is undeniably a strong team, and we need thorough preparation as I have not yet fully analyzed their tactical aspects. Additionally, Pakistan possesses a very strong physical foundation, so we must prepare accordingly."

Regarding striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who sustained a hamstring injury during the match and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks before returning home for treatment, the coach stated that while the issue may not be overly serious, the team will need to find a replacement for a key player.

Meanwhile, Philippines Head Coach Carles Cuadrat acknowledged that his team played to the best of their ability and demonstrated clear progress. However, he admitted that Vietnam boasts a deep, talented squad with numerous options, cementing their status as a regional powerhouse and tournament favorite.

The loss of Xuan Son deepens a severe injury crisis for Vietnam, sweeping across all three tactical lines. Prior to the tournament, central defender Nguyen Thanh Chung suffered a knee injury and midfielder Nguyen Quang Hải sustained an ankle injury, forcing both to withdraw before the team departed for Indonesia.

Coach Kim is also missing long-term absentees Nguyen Van Vi and Khuat Van Khang on the left flank, while veteran central defender Do Duy Manh recently underwent knee meniscus surgery.

Furthermore, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc is still recovering from an injury, leaving his availability for the tournament in question.

Consequently, injuries have dismantled the core spine of the squad that won the ASEAN Cup, stripping Vietnam of Thanh Chung, the midfield pairing of Quang Hai and Hoang Duc, and striker Xuan Son, alongside primary left-back option Van Vi.

According to the schedule for the remaining Group B matches in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, Vietnam will face Thailand at 7:30 p.m. on September 29 and Pakistan at 3:00 p.m. on October 2 (Hanoi time).

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