Dinh Bac brace sends Vietnam into ASEAN Cup semi-finals as Group A winners
VOV.VN - Striker Dinh Bac scored twice and Cambodia added an own goal as Vietnam defeated Cambodia 3-1 on August 7 to finish top of Group A and book a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 ASEAN Cup.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik surprised with his starting lineup, leaving Nguyen Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Tai Loc on the bench while handing attacking roles to Hai Long and Dinh Bac.
The hosts dominated possession from the outset but struggled to break down Cambodia's compact defence. Instead, the visitors produced the first clear chance in the 13th minute after capitalising on a defensive error, only for goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik to deny the one-on-one effort.
Vietnam broke the deadlock five minutes later. Dinh Bac won possession near midfield before embarking on a confident solo run and finishing neatly across goal to make it 1-0.
The opener lifted Vietnam's intensity, with Dinh Bac continuing to trouble Cambodia's back line while Hoang Duc, Quang Hai and Thanh Long created several chances. However, wasteful finishing prevented the hosts from extending their lead before halftime.
Kim introduced Xuan Son early in the second half in search of a second goal, and Vietnam continued to dominate possession while creating a series of opportunities. Yet Dinh Bac, Hai Long and Tien Anh were all unable to convert.
Cambodia stunned the home crowd in the 71st minute when Bento raced through on goal and beat Le Giang Patrik to level the score at 1-1.
Vietnam responded strongly in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Xuan Son burst down the left flank and delivered a dangerous cross that forced a Cambodia defender to turn the ball into his own net under pressure.
Five minutes later, Dinh Bac capped an outstanding performance by beating the offside trap before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Koy Salim to seal a 3-1 victory.
In the other Group A match, hosts Singapore drew 1-1 with Indonesia, eliminating the visitors from the tournament.
Vietnam finished top of Group A and advanced to the semi-finals, where Kim Sang-sik's side will face the runners-up from Group B.
Vietnam stun hosts Indonesia 3-0 to reach ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals
VOV.VN - Vietnam secured an early place in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating hosts Indonesia 3-0 at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor on August 3, moving to the top of Group A with one match remaining.
