Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat said his side respected Vietnam but would not simply sit back in search of a 0-0 draw in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B opener. He spoke at a pre-match press conference at Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on September 25, VnExpress reported.

Cuadrat said the Philippines were more confident with many overseas-based players available, although Raphael Obermair and Gary Coleman were absent. He acknowledged that Vietnam were favoured but said his team would try to compete actively in possession.