Vietnam showcase strength with convincing win over Myanmar

Even without operating at full intensity, South Korean head coach Kim Sang Sik's side displayed an outstanding blend of attacking quality and tactical versatility.

Starting with their highly anticipated trio of naturalized Brazilian-born players, including Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, and Tai Loc, Vietnam dominated possession from the opening whistle.

Two of their four goals came from Xuan Son and Hoang Hen.

The breakthrough arrived before the fifth minute in a move that perfectly showcased Vietnam's new attacking potential.

Hoang Hen drove forward down the right flank before finding Tai Loc inside the box.

Although the debutant's initial effort was blocked by a Myanmar defender, the loose ball fell kindly for Xuan Son, who rifled a stunning first-time volley into the net.

In the 39th minute, Pham Xuan Manh doubled Vietnam's lead with a close-range header after meeting Truong Tien Anh's free-kick delivery from the left flank.

Hoang Hen later marked his first goal in the match with a composed low strike from outside the penalty area in the 59th minute after being set up by Truong Tien Anh, extending Vietnam's advantage to 3-0.

Entering the game in the 62nd minute, Dinh Bac left his mark.

He earned a penalty after forcing defender Kyaw Min Oo into a reckless challenge inside the box, a foul that resulted in the Myanmar player receiving a second yellow card and being sent off.

Dinh Bac calmly converted the spot kick in stoppage time to complete the 4-0 rout.

Though Tai Loc was unable to find the net during this match, his first international goal is likely only a matter of time at the ASEAN Cup 2026.

The arrivals of Hoang Hen and Tai Loc have significantly expanded Vietnam's attacking options.

Rather than relying solely on crosses from wide areas aimed at Xuan Son, Vietnam now possess the ability to break down defenses through intricate combinations in central areas.

Both Xuan Son's opener and Hoang Hen's goal stemmed from sharp low deliveries around the penalty area, highlighting a more versatile attacking structure.

Set pieces also remain a major strength.

Pham Xuan Manh headed home from a well-delivered free kick by Truong Tien Anh, underlining Vietnam's continued threat from dead-ball situations.

Defensive issues still require attention

While the attack impressed, Vietnam's defensive organization was less convincing.

Debutant goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as Myanmar struggled to generate sustained pressure.

However, the visitors still managed to create several dangerous moments that exposed weaknesses in Vietnam's back line, which needs fine-tuning before the ASEAN Cup 2026 gets underway.

The partnership between left-back Doan Van Hau and left-sided center-back Nhat Minh appeared unsettled, allowing Myanmar to create at least two clear scoring chances in the first half.

Vietnam also left excessive space in front of the penalty area.

One notable example came in the 22nd minute when MG MG Lwin was afforded enough time and room to unleash a dangerous long-range effort without any close defensive pressure.

Head coach Kim now has five days to fine-tune his squad before Vietnam begin their ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign against Timor-Leste on July 24 in Thailand.

Although improvements are still needed at the back, Vietnam's dominant display against Myanmar demonstrated the impressive depth and attacking flexibility now available to the defending champions.