Vietnam edged out K-League side Gangwon Football Club 2-1 in an entertaining international friendly on July 13, 2026, at a humid and electric atmosphere in Chuncheon. The match served as an important mid-season preparation fixture for both sides, testing squad depth and tactical flexibility ahead of their respective competitive campaigns.

Match Overview

The friendly, played at Gangwon's home venue, saw the Vietnamese national team take on the South Korean K-League outfit. Despite going behind early, Vietnam showed composure and superior fitness in the second half to turn the game around. The result gave coach Kim Sang-sik valuable insights into his squad’s resilience.

First Half: Gangwon Strike First

Gangwon started brightly, pressing high and unsettling the Vietnamese defence. Their reward came in the 23rd minute when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a clinical finish from Gangwon’s striker Lee Sang-heon, who slotted past goalkeeper Dang Van Lam. Vietnam struggled to find rhythm initially, with their midfield frequently bypassed by Gangwon’s quick transitions.

However, the visitors grew into the half. Playmaker Nguyen Quang Hai began to dictate possession, and Vietnam created two clear chances before the break—one saved by the Gangwon keeper, the other fired wide. The score remained 1–0 at halftime.

Second Half: Vietnam’s Comeback

Coach Kim Sang-sik made three substitutions at the interval, introducing fresh legs in attack. The changes paid off almost immediately. In the 52nd minute, Nguyen Tien Linh latched onto a through ball from Quang Hai and calmly finished past the advancing goalkeeper to level the match.

Vietnam’s pressing became more aggressive, and Gangwon began to tire in the humid conditions. The winning goal arrived in the 74th minute. A corner from the left was only half-cleared, and Do Hung Dung smashed a volley from the edge of the box that deflected off a defender and wrong-footed the keeper—2–1.

Key Moments & Tactical Notes

• 23' – Gangwon take the lead through a swift counter-attack.
• 52' – Vietnam equalise after a clever one-two in the box.
• 74' – Do Hung Dung’s deflected volley proves decisive.
• Gangwon’s best chance to equalise came in the 85th minute when a header hit the crossbar.
• Vietnam’s midfield trio of Quang Hai, Hung Dung, and Hoang Duc dominated the second half.

Standout Performers

Nguyen Quang Hai was named man of the match for his creative influence and assist, while Gangwon’s Lee Sang-heon impressed with his goal and constant running. Vietnam’s defensive duo of Que Ngoc Hai and Bui Tien Dung also earned praise for their organisation under pressure.

Post-Match Reaction

"It was a valuable test against a physical K-League side," said Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik. "We showed character to come from behind. The new combinations in midfield worked well." Gangwon’s manager similarly noted that the match provided useful minutes for players returning from injury.

What This Means

For Vietnam, the win extends their unbeaten run in friendlies to three matches ahead of World Cup qualifiers. For Gangwon, despite the loss, they gained competitive sharpness and saw positive signs from younger squad members.

The friendly confirmed Vietnam’s growing depth and tactical maturity against club opposition, a positive sign as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.