Coach Kim Sang-sik talks with Hai Long and his teammates during the match against Malaysia at Bukit Jalil
Ngoc Linh
Vietnam Team: Slow Steps to Maintain Identity
In a press conference on the afternoon of June 17, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized: "VFF always wants to strengthen and supplement the strength of the Vietnamese team, but there must be an appropriate way to do it, not naturalize like what Malaysia and Indonesia did. We must try to make the Vietnamese team stronger but not weaken the domestic tournament."
According to Mr. Tuan, VFF will increase investment in the U.17, U.20 and U.23 Vietnam youth teams, conducting training sessions in Japan and China with the goal of going far in the Asian championship.
Mr. Tuan's statement can be considered an official confirmation from the head of VFF, showing the strategy of developing Vietnamese football with the highest level being the national team.
Quang Vinh has proven his ability and desire to play for the Vietnamese national team.
Photo: Ngoc Linh
At this time, Vietnamese football can naturalize some players with good professional skills who have played for many years in V-League such as Hendrio ( Hanoi Club), Rimario (Thanh Hoa Club), Geovane (Ha Tinh Club)... and overseas Vietnamese player Kevin Pham Ba.
But it is believed that VFF will not put all its hopes on the above names being granted Vietnamese citizenship. Instead, Vietnam will strive to improve the playing level and the desire to contribute of domestic players.
Ignite dreams and aspirations
After winning the AFF Cup and opening the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup with a 5-0 win over Laos, the Vietnamese team suffered a shocking 0-4 defeat at Bukit Jalil Stadium, causing many people to worry about their ability to compete with strong naturalized teams such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
However, frankly speaking, that score did not reflect the match as we played well, calmly and with full strength for most of the first half.
Xuan Son will return to the field from September
Photo: Minh Tu
Unfortunately, the two injuries of Thanh Chung and Tien Dung caused the Vietnamese team's defense to collapse, as Xuan Manh and young player Ly Duc could not maintain their ability to connect and cover as before.
Even more unfortunate was that before that, coach Kim Sang-sik could not have the services of quality players such as Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Binh in defense or Tan Tai, Vi Hao, Xuan Son, Van Toan... were also absent due to injury.
Admittedly, we will face a huge challenge when we host our opponents in the second leg in 9 months. That will give the Malaysians enough time to get used to and get into the rhythm of each other.
But coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are not allowed to lose faith, because the journey to conquer the AFF Cup 2024 championship has shown that we still possess a high-quality, cohesive squad and the desire to defeat Thailand twice in a row in the final.
Minh Khoa is making steady progress in the Vietnam national team.
Photo: Ngoc Linh
The important thing is that the Vietnamese team will have to maintain the special aspiration and cohesion like the AFF Cup 2024, maintain the strength of a collective that is willing to lower its ego, knows how to sacrifice for each other, and join hands for the common victory.
It is that strong fire of desire that has helped new players like Xuan Son, Hai Long, Ngoc Quang, Van Vi... quickly integrate and confidently flourish while famous players like Quang Hai, Duy Manh, Tien Linh... willingly enter the field from the bench.
Coach Kim Sang-sik has repeatedly affirmed his intention to pursue a "bundle of chopsticks" spirit, similar to the way the VFF has chosen to maintain its identity. Therefore, if the current positive competitiveness is maintained and quality players are selectively added, the Vietnamese team will ensure competitiveness while still maintaining its identity.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-kien-quyet-khong-chay-theo-mot-nhap-tich-hang-ta-thap-sang-ngon-lua-khat-vong-185250617180859516.htm
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