Coach Kim Sang-sik's Vietnam Secures 2-0 Victory Over Thailand in First Leg of Hyundai Cup Final

The Vietnamese national football team, led by head coach Kim Sang-sik, moved a step closer to defending its title after securing a away victory against its formidable rival Thailand in the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup final.

Vietnam defeated Thailand 2-0 after scoring both goals in the second half of the first leg held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 22nd.

Having won the first leg, Vietnam will host Thailand for the second leg of the final at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, on the 26th as it chases the championship title.

Notably, by defeating Thailand, Vietnam extended its undefeated streak to 25 international "A" matches (22 wins and 3 draws).

Held every two years, the Hyundai Cup determines the strongest football team in Southeast Asia and is often referred to as the "World Cup of Southeast Asia."

Previously known by names such as the Suzuki Cup and Mitsubishi Cup, the tournament was renamed the Hyundai Cup in its 30th anniversary year following a change in its title sponsor.

After defeating Thailand—the tournament's most successful team with six titles—in the previous 2024 tournament to claim its third championship overall (2008, 2018, and 2024), Vietnam met Thailand once again in the final of this year's tournament. By winning the first leg, Vietnam has moved closer to capturing back-to-back tournament titles.

After ending the first half scoreless, Vietnam broke the deadlock in the 17th minute of the second half with a crucial opening goal.

During a counterattack, Nguyễn Đình Bắc penetrated the center of the penalty area and delivered a backheel pass, allowing the rushing Nguyễn Hải Long to score with a one-touch shot.

Buoyed by the momentum, Vietnam sealed the win in the 34th minute of the second half when Nguyễn Quang Hải scored an additional goal off an assist by Đỗ Hoàng Hên.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.