Vietnam ended the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Cambodia, securing first place in Group A and strengthening their bid to defend the regional title.

The result gave Vietnam 10 points from four matches, with three wins and one draw. They scored 13 goals and conceded just once, with Cambodia being the first team to score against them.

The win extended Vietnam's unbeaten streak under Kim to 22 matches, a new record for the national team, with 19 wins and three draws.

The unbeaten run started with a 1-1 draw against India in October 2024 and includes Vietnam's ASEAN Cup 2024 campaign and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Vietnam will face the runners-up from Group B in the semifinals, with their opponent to be determined after the group's final matches.

Cambodia tested Vietnam before a late breakthrough.

Vietnam controlled the match from the start, while Cambodia defended deep and had many players behind the ball.

The pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Dinh Bac scored.

Dinh Bac won the ball in Cambodia's half, drove into the penalty area, and scored past the goalkeeper to give Vietnam the lead.

Vietnam dominated possession but could not add to their lead before halftime.

Cambodia remained in the contest and delivered an unexpected response after the break.

A quick counterattack in the 72nd minute ended with Iago Bento scoring the equalizer, briefly putting Vietnam under pressure.

The hosts eventually regained control in the closing stages.

In the 85th minute, Vakhim Im turned the ball into his own net, restoring Vietnam's advantage.

Dinh Bac then put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute, completing his brace with a delicate lob.

Dinh Bac was named Player of the Match.

Dinh Bac said he only thinks about winning, not about scoring goals, when he is on the pitch.

He credited the depth and competition within Vietnam's squad for pushing players to improve.

Dinh Bac said Vietnam have many good forwards and quality players in every position.

He said competitive pressure helps him improve and work harder in training.

Kim Sang Sik saw lessons despite the victory.

Head coach Kim Sang Sik welcomed the result and thanked supporters after Vietnam finished first in the group.

Kim said the team would like to express gratitude to everyone, and the support from fans helped them achieve the best result.

Kim acknowledged that Vietnam had areas to improve, particularly after Cambodia scored in the second half.

Kim said there were moments when players lost concentration, leading to defensive mistakes.

Kim explained his decision to replace Nguyen Hoang Duc, saying the midfielder's physical condition had declined during the match.

Kim said Hoang Hen and Tai Loc had health issues before the match but recovered and were available to play.

Kim stressed the importance of managing his squad throughout the tournament.

Kim said the team needs to make many changes to the lineup due to tactics and players' physical condition.

Quang Hai set a new Vietnam record.

The Cambodia match delivered a major individual milestone for Nguyen Quang Hai.

Quang Hai made his 84th appearance for Vietnam, becoming the national team's most-capped player.

Quang Hai had drawn level with Le Cong Vinh when he came on during Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Indonesia.

His appearance against Cambodia moved him clear at the top of the list.

Quang Hai made his senior international debut in June 2017.

Since then, he has played a significant role in one of the most successful periods in Vietnamese football.

Quang Hai has scored 15 goals for the national team and remains an important part of Kim's plans.

His record could continue to grow during the knockout stages.

Cambodia coach Koji Gyotoku tipped Vietnam for the final.

Gyotoku acknowledged Vietnam's superiority after the match and backed them to reach the final.

Gyotoku said he used many young players who performed well, and Cambodia's tactics were not bad.

Gyotoku said Cambodia had opportunities and managed to score against Vietnam.

Gyotoku regretted the result and said the second goal they conceded caused them to collapse.

Cambodia were the only Group A team to score against Vietnam.

Gyotoku said his previous experience against Vietnam had helped him prepare for the match.

Gyotoku said Xuan Son was the Vietnam player who impressed him most.

Gyotoku said Xuan Son's skills are very good, and he is extremely difficult to stop.

Gyotoku said he could not find a weakness in Vietnam and thought they could reach the final.

Home advantage could await Vietnam in the final.

Finishing first in Group A could carry another significant benefit for Vietnam.

If Kim's side advance through the semifinal, Vietnam will play the second leg of the final at home.

History suggests that could be an important advantage.

Vietnam have twice previously played the return leg of an ASEAN Cup final at home and lifted the trophy.

For now, however, the immediate challenge is the semifinal.

Vietnam will have a relatively long break before returning to action.

Kim said the players can recover physically and mentally during the break.

The coaching staff will make plans to achieve the best possible result.

Vietnam head into the break with momentum firmly on their side.

The group stage is over, and the defense of their Southeast Asian crown now moves into the knockout phase.

Dai Nam - Thien Binh.