The ASEAN Cup 2026 has kicked off with both Thailand and Vietnam emerging as strong contenders. As of now, both teams have recorded impressive victories, with Vietnam defeating Timor Leste 7-0 and Thailand winning against Laos 5-0. However, the manner in which these victories were achieved has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Thailand's performance against Laos has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding their players' fitness levels. Former football star Sarayut Chaikamdee expressed concerns, stating, "The players started to cramp around the 75th to 80th minute. In the recent World Cup, I hardly saw this issue among players at that stage of the game. Moreover, I wonder why Thailand didn't score more goals. They led Laos 5-0 by the 70th minute and had an extra player since the end of the first half, yet they chose to retreat instead of continuing to apply pressure."

On the other hand, Vietnam's approach in their match against Timor Leste has been praised for its technical execution. The Vietnamese team scored from various angles, showcasing their skill and experience. In contrast, Thailand's forwards are criticized for lacking experience in major tournaments, with their four strikers collectively having only 44 national team appearances and scoring 17 goals.

The oldest of Thailand's forwards, Patrik Gustavsson, is 25 years old, while the youngest, Jehhanafee Mamah and Yotsakorn Burapha, are just 21, with minimal scoring records. Thailand's squad is notably missing several key attacking stars, including Teerasil Dangda, who holds the record for most goals in the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, questions remain about Thailand's ability to compete at the highest level, especially against a well-prepared Vietnam team that has yet to reveal their full tactical capabilities. Fans are eager to see how both teams will evolve in the coming matches of the ASEAN Cup 2026.