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In the 45th minute, Kim made an unexpected substitution, replacing Dinh Bac (9) with naturalized forward Nguyen Tai Loc (13).
Substitutions before halftime are relatively uncommon unless a player is injured or the coaching staff decides to make a tactical adjustment.
Dinh Bac took some time to leave the field after being substituted, prompting the referee to urge him off.
A screen capture shows Kim (R) visibly frustrated on the touchline.
Under ASEAN Cup regulations, if a substituted player delays leaving the field, the incoming player must wait one minute before entering. This may have contributed to the coach's reaction.
Nguyen Dinh Bac is substitued in the 45th minute in Vietnam's 0-0 draw with Singapore at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.
After scoring a hat-trick in Vietnam's 7-0 opening victory over Timor-Leste, Dinh Bac retained his place in the starting lineup against Singapore.
He operated on the left side of the attack alongside Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen.
Dinh Bac was involved throughout the opening stages but was unable to convert several opportunities. In the 12th minute, he attempted a long-range shot that missed the target.
He created two more chances in the 18th and 21st minutes but failed to capitalize, including an acrobatic attempt that sailed over the crossbar.
During the first half, Dinh Bac frequently moved inside from the left wing to combine with teammates, reducing the width of Vietnam's attack.
The tactical adjustment may have been one of the factors behind Kim's decision to substitute him before halftime.
Kim shows frustration on the sidelines after Vietnam failed to convert several first-half scoring opportunities.
Dinh Bac looks disappointed after being substituted before halftime.
The 22-year-old forward enjoyed a strong start to 2026, winning the Golden Boot with four goals and two assists at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, where he captained Vietnam to a bronze medal.
At club level, the Cong An Hanoi striker scored 10 goals and provided five assists as the team won the 2025-26 V.League 1 title.
