Viktor Le's formula for success.

Unlike his time at Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Viktor Le only played a supporting role for the Vietnam U23 team. But when he came on as a substitute in the match between his team and Bangladesh U23, the Vietnamese-born player made a significant impact. This could be the formula that coach Kim Sang-sik wants to apply to this 21-year-old.

Vietnam U23 did not win easily.

Before the Vietnam U23 team's opening match of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh U23, many believed that the "Golden Star Warriors" would easily defeat their opponents. The South Asian representatives had gone six years without a victory in an official tournament. In contrast, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team had just won the Southeast Asian U23 Championship with a perfect record of four wins in 90 minutes of play.

Entering the match at Viet Tri Stadium ( Phu Tho ) against U23 Bangladesh, coach Kim Sang-sik fielded mostly the key players who had helped him win the regional tournament the previous month. These included goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien; center-backs Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Pham Ly Duc; and the midfield quartet of Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Phi Hoang, and Vo Anh Quan.

In the attacking line, Nguyen Dinh Bac - the best player in the Southeast Asian tournament - was given the opportunity to play freely, creating coordinated plays in various areas. Perhaps, coach Kim Sang-sik only used two other players who rarely played: Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Nguyen Ngoc My.

Vietnam U23 got off to a smooth start with a goal in the first half, following a dangerous pass from Dinh Bac to Ngoc My. However, for almost 30 minutes afterward, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team struggled to find a way to score against Bangladesh. The South Asian representatives knew their strengths and weaknesses. They adopted a two-layered defense with a large number of players surrounding the penalty area. In this context, Coach Kim Sang-sik decided to bring Viktor Le onto the field in the 58th minute. That was also when the positive turning point for Vietnam U23 began.

Viktor Le's appearance brought a more prominent attacking element to the home team. The "Golden Star Young Warriors" combined more frequently both inside and outside the Bangladesh penalty area. The number of dangerous attacks by the Vietnam U23 team increased dramatically. Viktor Le alone had three shots that made the opposing goalkeeper sweat. One of those goals sealed the 2-0 victory. His other two shots hit the crossbar and post respectively.

Viktor Lê scored the first goal for the Vietnam U23 team.

Coach Kim Sang-sik was right.

“Congratulations to Viktor Le for his performance against Bangladesh. He tried his best and scored his first goal for the Vietnamese national team,” Coach Kim Sang-sik praised the 2003-born player at the post-match press conference. The South Korean strategist proved his tactical approach to using Viktor Le was sound, maximizing the player's potential during a specific period of the match. “Viktor Le is a quality player,” Coach Kim Sang-sik stated. “Depending on the opponent, I will consider how to use him appropriately to make the most of his abilities.”

Looking back at Viktor Le's journey when he first worked with Coach Kim, during the Vietnam U23 team's participation in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, this Vietnamese-born player was often used in a supporting role. This is completely different from the "leading role" Viktor Le played at Hong Linh Ha Tinh . However, at a higher level, with competition from many better players of the same age group, Viktor Le could not automatically secure a starting position.

Reportedly, coach Kim Sang-sik has met and spoken privately with the player several times. He understands that Viktor Lê's somewhat carefree attitude and the occasional pressure stemming from his overseas Vietnamese status have prevented him from achieving the necessary consistency in matches. Given the various objective and subjective factors affecting Viktor Lê, the South Korean coach's decision to use him as a strategic substitute is appropriate.

“I was a little nervous before the match with the Vietnam U23 team in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. As coach Kim Sang Sik said, I haven't yet reached 100% of my potential in the Southeast Asian tournament,” Viktor Le shared with the media. “But my first goal for Vietnam helped me relieve the pressure that had been building around me for the past month. This milestone promises to give me more confidence to continue contributing to the Vietnamese national teams. I am quite satisfied with my performance on the field, especially in the last 15 minutes of the match. The Vietnam U23 team created some good coordinated plays. Unfortunately, my teammates and I were unlucky in the final moments.”

It would not be surprising if Viktor Lê continues to be utilized by coach Kim Sang-sik in a similar role when Vietnam U23 faces Singapore or Yemen. For a certain period of the match, this player can utilize his agility, observation skills, and finishing ability to create breakthroughs for Vietnam U23.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/cong-thuc-thanh-cong-cho-viktor-le-i780368/