Dinh Bac scores as Vietnam beat Philippines 1-0: Three points secured but Kim Sang Sik has plenty to fix

Minute 25. Williams Minh Hoang collected Thanh Long's through ball, sprinted down the right and fired in a low cross. The ball hit the back of a Philippine defender, changed direction, and Dinh Bac reacted quickly to beat goalkeeper Falkesgaard. The goal earned Vietnam three points in their opening game, but it also showed coach Kim Sang Sik still has work to do on controlling a match after taking the lead. The three points extended Vietnam's unbeaten run to 27 matches. However, this was not a controlled, dominant display. After Dinh Bac's 25th-minute strike, Vietnam dropped deep and handed the initiative to the Philippines. The home side pressed hard, forcing Vietnam into defensive mistakes. The low block left few players available for transitions, isolating the forwards and limiting the chances for a second goal. To be fair, the Philippines created dangerous chances. Poor finishing, a shot against the crossbar, and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang were the main reasons Vietnam kept their clean sheet. Le Giang made crucial saves and was a reliable presence on a day the defense looked less secure. Not everything was gloomy. With the coach managing injuries and fatigue among established players after a demanding period, the debuts of three new players were a positive. Adou Minh, a center-back for Cong An Ha Noi, started next to Viet Anh and Xuan Manh. He impressed with awareness, composure and strength in challenges. His contribution to the clean sheet was significant. Khoa Ngo, introduced in the 70th minute, quickly gave Vietnam another useful attacking outlet. He offered Kim another option in a squad that has long depended on a familiar group. But the brightest spark was Williams Minh Hoang. Hoang did not score, but he made the goal. He chose the right moment to accelerate, controlled the ball well, and delivered the cross that became the winner. The deflection brought some fortune, yet the pressure and Hoang's movement deserved a reward. After the match, more people began to understand why Kim trusted a teenager with a starting place. If anything, the 19-year-old has the attributes to become a key striker for Vietnam. Born in 2026, Hoang needed only half a season at CA TP.HCM to establish himself. Just a few training sessions with the national team convinced the coach. His pace, technique, strength and finishing make him a natural heir to the striker position. He stands 1.90 meters tall but is quick and neat in tight spaces. The tactical decision to put him on the right wing, with Xuan Son as central striker, was intentional. Now, with Xuan Son out of the tournament through injury, Hoang may have to take more responsibility in attack. Whether he can fully replace Xuan Son remains an open question, but the signs are encouraging. One match is too small a sample. No one can be sure that Hoang, Adou Minh or Khoa Ngo will maintain their form. Yet at a difficult moment, their debuts offered possibilities and hope. Vietnam's opening victory was far from complete, but beyond the three points, it revealed fresh alternatives for a team whose coach has spent much time reshuffling the same personnel. The next test, against Thailand, will tell more.