Coach Rang Charnwit Pholswin asked where the pride is in Vietnam's current squad that includes naturalized players, ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final.
On 20 August 2026, ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final, the Thailand national team is preparing to face Vietnam in the first leg on Saturday, 22 August at 20:00 at Rajamangala National Stadium.
Vietnam's team includes three naturalized players, led by their key striker Nguyen Xuan Son.
Coach Rang Charnwit Pholswin, former Thailand national team coach and vice president of the Football Association, said, "This Vietnam squad is not an ordinary Vietnam team; it’s Vietnam (plus) Brazil."
"Vietnam in the past played us with spirit. We ask in return, where is the pride now? This is the ASEAN football festival. Many countries are following suit—Malaysia, for instance. We have to acknowledge that Singapore has limited resources, but Malaysia and Vietnam raise questions for ASEAN fans. However, we are ready to play against any nation. We don’t claim to be inferior or anything. Are we afraid? No. Since I became a coach, every time we meet, the games have been enjoyable and challenging."