Trở lại Mỹ Đình sau 2 năm: Đội tuyển VN ‘đánh thức’ CĐV
Singapore’s Relaxed Training Session Before Big Match Against Vietnam
A Light-Hearted Practice at Mỹ Đình Stadium
After the Vietnamese team finished their practice, the Singapore national team stepped onto the field at Mỹ Đình Stadium around 6:00 PM. The media were allowed to watch the first 15 minutes.
What did they do?
- They started with "ghost ball" drills (passing and moving without defenders).
- They practiced basic skills like passing and trapping.
- Only after warming up did they move on to secret tactical plans.
The Vibe: The atmosphere was super relaxed. There was lots of laughter and joking around. They didn’t look nervous at all!
The Standings: Why This Match Matters
Singapore is currently top of Group A with 6 points.
- They are 3 points ahead of Vietnam and Indonesia.
- But… Singapore has played one more game than the other two.
[!IMPORTANT]
The "Golden Ticket" Scenario
If Singapore gets even just 1 point (a draw) against Vietnam, they will almost certainly qualify for the next round (the semi-finals). A win seals the deal completely!
Meet Coach Gavin Lee: The "Young Old Man"
Gavin Lee (standing second from left) is the youngest head coach at the ASEAN Cup 2026. He was born in 1990.
His Playing Career
- He played alongside legends like Hariss Harun (midfielder) and Izwan Mahbub (goalkeeper).
- Those two are still playing for the national team today!
Why He Switched to Coaching
Gavin realized: "I can’t keep up technically as a player anymore, so I’ll choose a different path."
Instead of quitting football, he decided to study it.
His Education & Badges
- University: Graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Sport Science and Management.
- Licenses: Earned official coaching badges/certificates.
The "Grandpa" Nickname
- He lives a very disciplined lifestyle (early nights, healthy food, strict routine).
- Because he acts so mature and serious for his age, his friends are few, and teammates gave him the funny nickname: "The Old Man" (Ông Già).
His Rapid Rise Up the Ladder
- Age 29: Became Head Coach of Tampines Rovers (a top club in Singapore).
- Age 35: Appointed Head Coach of the Singapore National Team.
Summary
- Singapore trained happily at Mỹ Đình, focusing on basics first.
- They lead Group A with 6 points but have played an extra game.
- A draw vs. Vietnam sends them through to the semi-finals.
- Coach Gavin Lee (35) is the tournament’s youngest boss.
- He swapped playing for studying (Sport Science degree) after realizing he wasn’t fast enough technically.
- His disciplined "Grandpa" lifestyle helped him rise from club coach to national team boss in just 6 years.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why was Singapore laughing so much during training?
They are currently top of the group and only need a draw to qualify. The pressure is lower on them compared to Vietnam, who must win. A relaxed team often plays better!
2. What is "Ghost Ball" (Bóng ma)?
It’s a training drill where players practice passing, movement, and shape without any opponents tackling them. It helps build rhythm and understanding before adding the stress of defenders.
3. How old is Coach Gavin Lee really?
He was born in 1990, making him 35 years old during this tournament (ASEAN Cup 2026). That is very young for a national team head coach!
4. Did Gavin Lee play for Singapore before?
Yes! He played for the national team (likely at youth or backup levels) alongside current stars Hariss Harun and Izwan Mahbub. He knows the "Singapore football culture" from the inside.
5. What happens if Vietnam beats Singapore?
If Vietnam wins, they jump to 6 points (same as Singapore) but with a game in hand. It would make the final matchday very dramatic for all three teams (Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia).
