Korean media outlets have expressed their optimism for coach Kim Sang Sik to follow in the footsteps of Park Hang Seo by leading the Vietnamese national team to victory over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) final.

The clash between Vietnam and Thailand in the final is a highly anticipated rematch of the championship bout from two years ago. Fans expect a fiercely competitive and thrilling battle for supremacy in Southeast Asian football.

Aiming for the third ASEAN Cup title

Vietnam will host Thailand at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho on January 2, 2025, before traveling to Bangkok for the second leg three days later.

“Korea’s Kim Sang Sik is leading Vietnam toward their third ASEAN Cup championship, having previously won in 2008 and 2018.

If victorious, Kim will become the second Korean coach, after Park Hang Seo, to achieve this feat,” reported Sports News.

While expressing their best wishes for Kim and his players, the outlet acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Thai team:

“Thailand, the most decorated team in the tournament with seven titles, aims for their eighth and a third consecutive championship.”

A tough road for Thailand, an advantage for Vietnam

The report noted a stark contrast in how the two teams reached the final:

“Unlike Vietnam, who easily defeated Singapore to secure their place in the final, Thailand faced a grueling path.

They lost 1–2 to the Philippines in the first leg of the semifinals but managed to recover with a 2–0 lead at home before conceding a late goal in the 84th minute. The match went into extra time, where Suphanat secured a dramatic victory in the final minutes of the second period.”

Korea anticipates a legacy of success

Korean news agency Yonhap highlighted the significance of the upcoming final for Vietnam:

“Vietnam will face Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, with the first leg at Viet Tri Stadium on January 2 and the second leg in Bangkok on January 5.

The Vietnamese team aims to reclaim their position as the top team in Southeast Asia for the first time in six years, following their 2018 championship under Park Hang Seo.”

Sports Today added context to the rivalry, stating: “Vietnam last won the ASEAN Cup in 2018 under coach Park Hang Seo but fell short against Thailand in the 2022 final.

This year’s championship represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for the Golden Star Warriors to lift the trophy after six years.

There is hope that Kim Sang Sik will continue Park Hang Seo’s legacy of success with the Vietnamese team.”

Lam Hoang