After claiming the 2024 ASEAN Cup, the Vietnam national football team is setting its sights on greater achievements.

To realize this ambition, head coach Kim Sang Sik must maintain his unwavering resolve in leading the team.

Reclaiming faith and ambition

Winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup not only brought joy to fans but also restored faith in a team that had endured a period of relative disappointment.

With this renewed trust, expectations are high for Vietnam to soar beyond regional competition, echoing the achievements of the team under former coach Park Hang Seo.

However, experts and fans alike urge Kim to avoid repeating the pitfalls of his predecessor. Only by forging a distinct and steadfast approach can Vietnam achieve sustained success.

Learning from the past

Before triumphing over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, Vietnam had suffered back-to-back defeats to their regional rivals in previous editions under Park Hang Seo.

While some attributed these losses to refereeing controversies, the root cause was largely strategic.

Park’s inability to surprise Thailand with fresh tactics or personnel over an extended period left his team predictable and vulnerable, ultimately leading to disappointment.

A fresh approach under Kim Sang Sik

The 2024 ASEAN Cup victory was built on a confluence of favorable circumstances and strategic excellence, with Kim Sang Sik at the helm.

Kim transformed Vietnam into an unpredictable force, employing rotational tactics and frequently altering his starting lineup.

This approach, while risky, kept opponents guessing and ensured every player was prepared to contribute.

Unlike previous regimes where certain stars were guaranteed playing time, Kim’s strategy fostered competition and resilience within the squad.

This depth and adaptability were evident in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, where the team overcame significant challenges to secure victory.

Sustaining success

While current success doesn’t guarantee future triumphs, Kim’s methods mark a departure from the overreliance on a fixed core of players.

His emphasis on inclusivity and adaptability lays the foundation for long-term stability and growth, rather than the fleeting brilliance that characterized past cycles.

By remaining steadfast in his approach, Kim Sang Sik can guide Vietnam to sustained success on the international stage, ensuring the team evolves rather than stagnates.

Duy Nguyen