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Reaching the AFF Cup 2024 final is a challenging task for Coach Kim Sang Sik. Photo: S.N.

Coach Kim Sang Sik is confident that he and the Vietnam national team will achieve their goal of reaching the 2024 AFF Cup finals.

In a recent meeting with Coach Kim Sang Sik, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu reiterated that the AFF Cup 2024 goal remains unchanged: to reach the finals and aim for the championship.

“Although recent friendly matches haven’t yielded the best results, we still have confidence in our players and Coach Kim Sang Sik,” Mr. Tran Anh Tu emphasized.

Coach Kim Sang Sik is also optimistic about leading Vietnam to the final match of the AFF Cup 2024. The 1976-born strategist looks forward to the upcoming training camp in South Korea, which he hopes will help the team resolve recent issues, refine tactics, and improve fitness and fighting spirit.

Experts agree that Vietnam’s goal of reaching the AFF Cup 2024 final is challenging, given Indonesia's recent rise due to their naturalization policy. Indonesia has defeated the "Golden Warriors" in their last three encounters and is the only Southeast Asian team to reach the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In addition, Thailand remains a dominant force in regional football. In their recent friendly against Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium in September, even with a second-string lineup, the Thai team comfortably won 2-1.

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Awaiting the best version of the Vietnam national team. Photo: S.N.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is also experiencing a shift in their roster. At the 2024 King’s Cup, "The Azkals" fielded nine European-based players, nearly surprising Thailand and securing a victory over Tajikistan in the third-place match.

However, both VFF and Coach Kim Sang Sik share a common outlook: although Vietnam faces tough competition in the AFF Cup 2024, it does not mean the "Red Warriors" lack opportunities. The key lies in Vietnam’s preparation during this crucial period.

The decision to conduct a training camp in South Korea rather than schedule friendlies during the November FIFA Days is a sound one. However, the impact of two weeks of training and internal matches with K-League teams remains to be seen.

Coach Kim Sang Sik is under pressure to solidify a playing style and a core lineup for Vietnam. In the last five matches, he experimented with four different tactical formations and fielded 16 different starters. This constant change in lineup and tactics has led to underwhelming performances that disappointed fans.

With little time remaining until the AFF Cup 2024, Coach Kim Sang Sik and the coaching staff are working hard to help Vietnam show a different side than what has been seen in recent warm-ups. Coach Kim has promised to lead Vietnam to the regional finals, and we have reason to believe him.

Dai Nam