Vietnam national team wins AFF Cup 2026 opener: Control-oriented approach and lessons from decisive moments

Vietnam national team secured a winning start at AFF Cup 2026 with a 2-1 victory in their opening match on December 14, 2026, at My Dinh Stadium. Goals from Tien Linh and Quang Hai secured all three points, establishing a crucial foundation for their title defense campaign. The match showcased Vietnam's tactical discipline and improved defensive organization compared to previous tournaments. Head coach Philippe Troussier made necessary adjustments to his lineup and approach, opting for a more balanced style rather than the high-risk tactics that caused problems earlier. Vietnam controlled 58% of possession, demonstrating their growing experience at the regional level. Striker Nguyen Tien Linh continued his impressive form by opening the scoring in the 23rd minute with a precise finish into the far corner after a well-worked combination with Van Toan on the right flank. His performance highlighted his development into a reliable finisher, with 2 goals from 4 attempts on target. Captain Que Ngoc Hai added the second goal from a set piece in the 67th minute, bringing his international tally to 15 goals. However, concerns remain after Vietnam conceded in the 78th minute following a scramble in the penalty area. This marked the 3rd goal conceded in their last 5 matches, raising questions about defensive stability. The team will need to address these issues before tougher challenges ahead, particularly the match against Malaysia on December 17, 2026.