August's Final Revisited: Thailand and Vietnam Meet in Bandung With a FIFA ASEAN Cup Final Spot at Stake

The biggest rivalry in Southeast Asian football is back just a month after its last chapter. Thailand and Vietnam meet at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Tuesday, 29 September, in a FIFA ASEAN Cup Group B match that could decide who reaches the final.

Both teams won their opening games on Saturday, and with only the group winner advancing directly to the final, tonight's result will shape the rest of Group B.

How they got here

Thailand eased past tournament newcomers Pakistan 4-0 in Bandung. Teerasak Poeiphimai scored twice, Jude Soonsup-Bell added a goal and a Haris Zeb own goal completed the win.

Vietnam had a tighter afternoon, edging the Philippines 1-0 thanks to a 25th-minute goal from Nguyen Dinh Bac.

A rematch of August's final

The two sides met in the ASEAN Championship final only last month. Vietnam won the first leg 2-0 at Thailand's Rajamangala Stadium and drew the second leg 2-2 at My Dinh Stadium to lift the trophy.

Thailand coach Anthony Hudson kept his job after that defeat, with Vietnamese media reporting the Football Association of Thailand has agreed to extend the Englishman's contract until 2029.

Vietnam's injury worries

Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik has several problems to manage. Striker Nguyen Xuan Son appears to have hurt his hamstring in the win over the Philippines, and Kim told reporters he felt "very sad" about the injury.

Vietnamese outlet VietNamNet also lists Duy Manh, Van Vi and Doan Ngoc Tan among the players unavailable, with Hoang Duc a doubt with a groin problem.

Kim was respectful of the opposition, describing Thailand as a team that has "always been a strong team" and saying Vietnam needed to prepare very carefully.

Philippines vs Pakistan: both chasing first points

The other Group B match, also at Si Jalak Harupat on Tuesday, pits the Philippines against Pakistan. Both lost their openers, so a defeat would leave either side with almost no chance of finishing in the top two.

Pakistan, making their debut at a FIFA tournament, are ranked 198th in the world, while the Philippines sit 135th. The only previous competitive meeting between them, at the 2013 Philippines Peace Cup, ended in a 3-1 Philippines win.

Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano, the former Newcastle United winger, told Dawn he believed his side "can do better than the opening game". Captain Abdullah Iqbal and goalkeeper Yousuf Butt, who made several important saves against Thailand, are key figures for Pakistan, while the Philippines will look to forward Bjorn Kristensen for goals.

Why Malaysian fans should watch

Group B's winner will face the Group A winner in the final, and Malaysia currently top Group A. If Harimau Malaya beat Singapore on Thursday and finish first, their opponents in the final will come from this group, most likely Thailand or Vietnam.

Match details

• Thailand vs Vietnam: Tuesday, 29 September, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung. VietNamNet lists kick-off at 6.30pm, which is 7.30pm in Malaysia.
• Philippines vs Pakistan: Tuesday, 29 September, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung.

Key takeaways

• Thailand (4-0 vs Pakistan) and Vietnam (1-0 vs Philippines) both won their Group B openers.
• Vietnam beat Thailand 2-0 away and drew 2-2 at home in August's ASEAN Championship final.
• Vietnam are without several players, and striker Nguyen Xuan Son has a suspected hamstring injury.
• The Group B winner meets the Group A winner, who could be Malaysia, in the final.

FAQ

Where is Thailand vs Vietnam being played? At Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, on Tuesday, 29 September.

Who won the last Thailand vs Vietnam meeting? Vietnam won the August ASEAN Championship final over two legs, 2-0 in Bangkok and 2-2 in Hanoi.

Could Malaysia face Thailand or Vietnam in the final? Yes. If Malaysia win Group A, they will meet the Group B winner in the final.

Sources: VietNamNet, Viet Nam News, Vivagoal, Dawn, ASEAN Football Federation, ESPN