Confidence from South Korea
The Vietnamese national team concluded their series of friendly matches in South Korea with a 3-1 victory over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on December 1st. Although Jeonbuk had to divide their resources between the domestic league and relegation play-offs, resulting in a less-than-optimal squad (only fielding their B or C teams), the win against the former South Korean and Asian champions still gave coach Kim Sang-sik and his team confidence.
The Vietnamese national team (right) won all three friendly matches in South Korea.
Belief is also the most valuable thing for the Vietnamese national team right now. Quang Hai and his teammates are no longer at their peak like during the time under coach Park Hang-seo. The crisis that has lasted from 2023 until now has forced the Vietnamese national team to transition generations and change their playing philosophy. In difficult times, belief needs to be built little by little. Victories that seemed ordinary before now carry great encouragement, giving coach Kim Sang-sik and his team even more strength.
However, the good news didn't just come from the victory itself, but also from the way it was won. Throughout the three matches, Coach Kim tested almost the entire squad he brought to South Korea. Many tactical formations were employed, such as 3-4-3, 3-5-2, and 4-3-3, and many new players like Ngoc Tan, Ngoc Quang, Van Truong, and Tien Anh were given opportunities. Veterans and newcomers were also mixed and molded within a unified tactical philosophy to create fierce competition for each position.
The national team's playing style has also emerged: a style that still emphasizes proactive ball control and imposing their game, similar to the era under coach Philippe Troussier, but without rigidity. Instead, it can utilize short or long passes depending on the situation and context of the match, with diverse attacks from both the flanks and the center, and many coordinated plays based on the abilities and cohesion of the different lines.
During his nine days in South Korea, Coach Kim implemented high-intensity physical training exercises to discipline his players. The Vietnamese team was required to run a lot, compete fiercely, and coordinate more quickly and efficiently. The South Korean coach demanded that the players play with a warrior spirit, while still maintaining their composure. The defense showed improvement, conceding only one goal in three friendly matches. In particular, against Jeonbuk and Daegu, the Vietnamese team stood firm under pressure, providing excellent cover and tackling to protect their goal. The defense was a particular focus for Coach Kim Sang-sik, as the Vietnamese team had conceded 11 goals in five friendly matches before arriving in South Korea. Coach Kim prioritized defenders with international experience, and this choice is yielding positive results as the defenders have adapted well to the new demands.
The attack was also effective thanks to intricate passing in the midfield to find space and good wing play, with Quang Hai (2 goals), Tien Linh, Tuan Hai, Hai Long, and Thanh Binh (1 goal) all scoring. However, a drawback was the lack of finishing ability, causing the Vietnamese team to miss many opportunities.
Teacher Kim is preparing to assemble the troops.
The Vietnamese national team will train today (December 2nd) and tomorrow before returning to Vietnam to continue preparations for the 2024 AFF Cup. After three friendly matches, the coaching staff will draw lessons learned and identify shortcomings in their playing style to develop a suitable strategy and player lineup.
The training camp in South Korea provided Coach Kim with many valuable insights, from an overall understanding of the players' physical condition, tactical thinking, adaptability, and aspirations (both old and new). It is expected that Coach Kim Sang-sik will cut 8-9 players to finalize the squad for the 2024 AFF Cup. The players belonging to "Group 1," the official core team, have also been revealed.
The way players have been used in the last three friendly matches shows that experienced players will be trusted in key positions such as goalkeeper, center back, central midfielder, and striker. Meanwhile, in the defender and wing forward positions, new players will have opportunities to play. In addition, Coach Kim Sang-sik has a habit of rotating the squad to adjust the playing style and tactics flexibly according to the opponent's strength. As a result, the Vietnamese national team will be more versatile and unpredictable, and opportunities will also be opened up for more players.
After Nam Dinh FC completes the AFC Champions League 2 group stage on December 4th, coach Kim will call up more players from the team, most likely including Van Toan, Van Vi, and naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son.
The Vietnamese national team's journey in the 2024 AFF Cup will begin with an away match in Laos on December 9th.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-vung-vang-truc-aff-cup-2024-185241201214848832.htm
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