Hot news from Vietnamese football today, August 19: Vietnam national team at risk of losing Van Vi in the second leg of the semi-final.

Vietnamese football update for August 19: Vietnam team could lose Van Vi in the semi-final second leg. Malaysia is down to 18 players.

Vietnam national team at risk of losing Van Vi in the semi-final second leg.

The Vietnam national team faces the prospect of being without defender Nguyen Van Vi for the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final return leg against Malaysia, scheduled for 8:00 PM on August 19 at My Dinh Stadium.

During the afternoon training session on August 18, Van Vi was unable to train with his teammates and had to work separately with doctor Tran Huy Tho. The 28-year-old defender suffered a toe injury after the first leg in Kuala Lumpur, making it difficult for him to wear shoes.

If Van Vi is absent, coach Kim Sang Sik's plans will be disrupted. The Nam Dinh player is the left-wing option and has been part of Vietnam's matches in the ASEAN Cup 2026. In the first leg of the semi-final, he played until the 90th minute.

In case Van Vi does not recover in time, Doan Van Hau or Nguyen Nhat Minh may be chosen as replacements.

Vietnam holds an advantage after a 2-0 win in Malaysia. As long as they do not lose by a margin of two goals or more, coach Kim Sang Sik's team will advance to the final.

Hoang Duc confirmed that the entire team is preparing seriously and is determined to deliver a good performance for the home fans tonight.

VFF sells tickets directly for the Vietnam - Malaysia match.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced that it will continue selling tickets directly for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final return leg between Vietnam and Malaysia, taking place at 8:00 PM on August 19 at My Dinh Stadium.

According to the plan, tickets will be sold from 9:15 AM on August 19 until sold out at the ticket booth at the main gate of VFF headquarters, Le Quang Dao Street, Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi. Each person can buy up to 4 tickets.

The organizers issue four price categories: 300,000 VND, 500,000 VND, 700,000 VND, and 1 million VND per ticket. The direct sale on match day gives fans another chance to enter the stadium and support the Vietnam national team in this crucial match.

VFF also notes that the ticket issuance plan and method may be adjusted according to actual conditions to ensure security and safety. Spectators are required to keep their tickets safe after purchase and not to bring sharp objects, fireworks, pepper spray, or other prohibited items or substances into the match venue.

The organizers urge fans to "cheer civilly - no flares" when coming to My Dinh Stadium.

Malaysia has only 18 players training before the match against Vietnam.

The Malaysia national team faces squad difficulties before the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final return leg against Vietnam, as only 18 players participated in the official training session at My Dinh Stadium on the evening of August 18.

Malaysia brought 21 players to the stadium, but Endrick dos Santos, Rodney Celvin, and Jimmy Raymond were all unable to train due to injuries. Among the remaining 18 players, there are 3 goalkeepers, meaning coach Tan Cheng Hoe only had 15 outfield players to conduct tactical drills.

Rodney Celvin is the latest case to have issues after being forced off the field in the first half of the first leg. Malaysia's situation is even more worrying as Aliff Haiqal got injured during the warm-up, had to leave the field to see a doctor, and could not continue the training session.

This was also the first and only familiarization session at My Dinh Stadium for Malaysia after the team arrived in Hanoi on August 17.

Malaysia is at a disadvantage after a 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg. With a depleted squad, the task of overturning the deficit at My Dinh Stadium becomes even harder. The semi-final return leg takes place at 8:00 PM on August 19.

Life Sport causes a surprise on the opening day of the National U20 Futsal Championship.

The 2026 National U20 Futsal Championship kicked off at the Futsal Club Gymnasium in Chanh Hung Ward (Ho Chi Minh City), with 18 goals scored in the first four matches. The notable highlight was Life Sport's victory over Saigon Titans.

In Group B, Life Sport beat Saigon Titans 4-3 in an exciting score chase. Doan Sinh Vien became the standout figure with a hat-trick in the 3rd, 25th, and 35th minutes, before Nguyen Van Vuong scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute. In the other match of this group, Thai Son Bac and Sahako drew 2-2.

In Group A, Thai Son Nam HCMC had a favorable start by beating Xa Warriors 3-1. Tan Hiep Hung HCMC also earned all 3 points with a 4-2 win over An Phu. After the opening round, Thai Son Nam HCMC and Tan Hiep Hung HCMC both have 3 points in Group A, while Life Sport temporarily leads Group B.

This year's tournament has 8 teams, divided into two groups, and runs until August 27. The second matchday is held on August 20 with four matches, notably including Sahako vs Life Sport and Tan Hiep Hung HCMC vs Thai Son Nam HCMC.