Vietnam defender warns against complacency before ASEAN Cup semifinal

Vietnam national football team defender Nguyen Thanh Chung has emphasized the need for focus and respect ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals against Malaysia. Following the team's performance in the group stage, Chung acknowledged defensive lapses, specifically citing a moment of lost concentration during the final group match against Cambodia.

Chung stated that while the team achieved its goal of finishing top of Group A, the squad must learn from these errors to avoid being exploited by Malaysia. He noted that the coaching staff, led by Kim Sang-sik, has been providing continuous support and tactical analysis to prepare for the upcoming two-legged semifinal.

Additionally, Chung defended team captain Quang Hai against recent public criticism, suggesting that the player's contributions deserve more fair recognition from supporters and the media.