CAUTIOUS KIM HOPES TO DUST OFF DANCING SHOES WITH VIETNAM VICTORY Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik has vowed to join his players in a celebratory dance if the Golden Star Warriors secure their place in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 final and retain the title. The team currently holds a 2-0 advantage over Thailand from the first leg of the semifinals, which took place in Bangkok on Saturday. The second leg of the final is set for Wednesday at the sold-out Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi, marking a historic moment as Vietnam aims to become the first team in the competition’s 30-year history to successfully defend the trophy. Kim, known for his on-field choreography, has promised to participate in a dance with his players if they win the match. “If the players and supporters want me to dance, I will dance,” he said. “I really hope Nguyễn Đình Bắc will score a goal and if he scores then maybe he and I can celebrate by dancing together.” Kim’s enthusiasm for the celebration stems from his viral 2022 post-match dance after Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC’s K League 1 title win, which gained widespread attention on social media. The Golden Star Warriors’ lead comes from second-half goals scored by Nguyễn Hai Long and Nguyễn Quang Hải, giving them a strong position heading into the final. However, Kim remains cautious, emphasizing that the match is not yet decided. “We will play our final game and the players have prepared very well,” he stated. “They have worked very hard over the last two months until the final. Tomorrow we will continue to try our best and play a wonderful match and try to bring a wonderful memory for everyone.” Kim acknowledged the significance of the occasion, calling it a historic day for Vietnamese football.#asean_hyundai_cup_2026 #kim_sang_sik #golden_star_warriors #nguyn_nh_bc #my_nh_national_stadium
Thailand Coach Anthony Hudson Focuses on Myanmar Clash Ahead of Semi-Final Push Thailand’s national team coach Anthony Hudson has emphasized that his focus remains entirely on the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 Group B match against Myanmar in Bangkok, despite the War Elephants standing on the brink of advancing to the semi-finals. The seven-time champions are set to secure their place in the last four with a draw against Myanmar, and could even progress if they lose to their neighbors after securing three consecutive victories since the tournament began. Hudson, speaking ahead of the match, stated, “I’m not thinking about the semi-finals. The players are also not discussing anything beyond tomorrow’s match.” While acknowledging the need to prepare for future challenges, he reiterated that the team’s attention is fully on the immediate game. “From a coaching perspective, of course, we have to look ahead and prepare for what could potentially happen. However, out of respect for Myanmar and for tomorrow’s game, our focus is 100% on this match.” The Thai squad, currently leading Group B with nine points, holds a three-point advantage over second-placed Malaysia. Myanmar, trailing on goal difference, faces a critical test as a win for Thailand would eliminate them from contention for the semi-finals. Malaysia, meanwhile, needs only a draw against the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur to advance. Hudson’s side enters the Rajamangala Stadium clash as favorites, with the coach stressing his commitment to the team’s progress. “I don’t really focus on my own record,” Hudson said. “I simply want to do a good job for the team, the national team, the country, and the players.#thailand #myanmar #asean_hyundai_cup_2026 #anthony_hudson #rajamangala_stadium
HUDSON EXPECTING ‘COMPLICATED CONTEST’ AS LEADERS THAILAND TAKE ON FILIPINOS Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has described the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 Group B clash against the Philippines as a “complicated contest,” emphasizing the challenge posed by the Southeast Asian rivals as the former champions aim to advance toward the semi-finals. The match, set to take place at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, marks a crucial step for Thailand, who currently lead the group standings after securing three consecutive victories. Thailand’s campaign began with decisive wins over Laos and Malaysia, positioning the team as the dominant force in Group B. A third straight victory would solidify their path to the knockout stages, though Hudson acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Philippines. “We are approaching this as an individual match,” he stated, noting that the team has analyzed the Philippines’ previous two games. “They are a team we respect, and we will prepare as we did for our earlier matches.” The Philippines, meanwhile, have shown resilience after a slow start. Following an opening loss to Myanmar, they rebounded with a 4-1 victory over Laos, reigniting hopes of a sixth semi-final appearance. Coach Carles Cuadrat, who previously worked under Albert Capellas during the 2024 championship, highlighted the Philippines’ preparedness. “We know Thailand are very difficult opponents and one of the leading teams in the region,” he said. “The last time they visited the Philippines, they lost—a result that hadn’t occurred in over 50 years. They will not want to suffer another defeat on our territory.” Thailand’s position in Group B is strong, with six points from two matches and a superior goal difference over Malaysia.#thailand_coach_anthony_hudson #philippines_coach_carles_cuadrat #asean_hyundai_cup_2026 #new_clark_city_athletics_stadium #philippines_team
