Vietnam Aim to Defend ASEAN Hyundai Cup Title as Thailand Face Final Test in Hanoi

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik has promised to join his players in a celebratory dance if the Golden Star Warriors complete the job against Thailand and successfully defend their ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ title on Wednesday.

Vietnam enter the second leg of the 2026 final with a valuable 2-0 advantage from Saturday’s first-leg victory in Bangkok. With the decisive match set to take place at a sold-out Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi, Kim’s side are within touching distance of making history.

A victory or draw would secure another regional championship for Vietnam and give the team their first successful title defense in the competition’s 30-year history.

Kim Sang-sik Ready to Dance if Vietnam Win

Kim is no stranger to celebrating with a dance. The former South Korea defender previously attracted widespread attention on social media after dancing following Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC’s K League 1 title success in 2022.

Now, he could repeat the celebration on one of the biggest nights in Vietnamese football.

“If the players and supporters want me to dance, I will dance,” Kim said before the final. He also expressed his hope that forward Nguyễn Đình Bắc could score, suggesting the pair might celebrate together if the young striker finds the net.

A victory would have historical significance for both Kim and Vietnam. The Golden Star Warriors previously lifted the regional trophy in 2008, 2018 and 2024, but they have never successfully defended the title.

Kim is also chasing his own place in ASEAN football history. If Vietnam retain the trophy, he would become only the fifth coach to win consecutive titles after Raddy Avramovic, Peter Withe, Kiatisuk Senamuang and Mano Pölking.

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Vietnam Hold a Two-Goal Advantage

Vietnam took control of the final in Bangkok thanks to second-half goals from Nguyễn Hai Long and Nguyễn Quang Hải. The result gives Kim’s team a strong platform heading into the home leg.

However, the coach has warned his players not to become complacent.

“We have an advantage but until now we have nothing in our pocket,” Kim said. He stressed that the players must maintain their focus and produce another strong performance in front of their home supporters.

The Vietnamese squad has spent the past two months preparing for the tournament and now has one final challenge to overcome.

Kim believes Wednesday could become a historic occasion for Vietnamese football.

“Tomorrow will be an historic day for Vietnamese football and the people who write this history are the players,” he said.

Nguyễn Đình Bắc Targets Another Goal

Young striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc will be one of the players attracting attention in Hanoi. The 22-year-old is currently among the tournament’s joint-leading scorers, having scored five goals alongside teammate Nguyễn Xuân Son.

Despite their individual success, Đình Bắc insists that personal statistics are not the priority.

He explained that both forwards remain focused on helping Vietnam win the championship rather than chasing the Golden Boot.

“If the team can win tomorrow then that’s the biggest victory,” Đình Bắc said.

His confidence could be important for Vietnam as they look to finish the final strongly. Playing in front of a packed Mỹ Đình National Stadium should provide additional motivation for the striker and his teammates.

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Sold-Out Hanoi Stadium Adds to Final Excitement

Interest in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup final has reached extraordinary levels in Vietnam. Demand for tickets has been so high that Kim joked he might need to switch off his phone because of messages from friends asking for tickets.

For the players, the sold-out stadium represents an opportunity to create a memorable night for Vietnamese supporters.

Đình Bắc acknowledged the huge support surrounding the team and promised that the players would give everything on the pitch.

The challenge remains significant, with Thailand needing to overturn a two-goal deficit. Vietnam, meanwhile, must remain disciplined and focused for 90 minutes.

The Golden Star Warriors believe they have put themselves in an excellent position, but they know the final is not finished. If they can complete the job in Hanoi, Vietnam will not only retain their ASEAN Hyundai Cup crown but also write a new chapter in the competition’s history.

And if that happens, fans may get the celebration Kim has already promised.