"This was a very difficult match. I want to thank the Vietnam U23 team and the coaching staff for their hard work. We played with 10 men but still won. I am very grateful for the team's performance and the result."
"I would like to thank the fans who came to the stadium as well as those who cheered on via television. I also want to thank Hieu Minh, who suffered an injury in the previous match," Coach Kim Sang Sik shared his feelings after Vietnam U23 defeated South Korea U23 in the third-place match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
"Both the South Korea U23 and Vietnam U23 teams entered the match feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Despite this, the players gave their all, displaying incredibly courageous fighting spirit. Especially considering we were down a player, Vietnam U23 held on to a draw until extra time and forced the match into a penalty shootout."
"I believe that through experiences like this, the Vietnamese U23 players will mature, and this is an opportunity for them to continue developing," said coach Kim Sang Sik.
Coach Kim Sang Sik thanked the players and fans. Photo: AFC
Regarding Dinh Bac's red card, the South Korean strategist said: "Dinh Bac scored and perhaps he was too excited, which led to the mistake. It was a difficult situation. But I always have faith in my players. Even with only 10 men, I am confident they can try to hold on to the game until the end."
In the previous match, the Vietnam U23 team also had a player sent off. In such situations, it's very difficult for the coach to do anything to compensate for the situation, but we deserved the victory."
In this match, coach Kim Sang Sik decided to use Van Binh instead of Trung Kien in the goalkeeper position, explaining: "The players handled the penalty shootout calmly and confidently, helping us win. Goalkeeper Van Binh, although not playing much, always quietly tried his best. Today he was stressed and worked hard, but he contributed to the team's victory. As Van Binh himself said, with the guidance of coach Lee Won Jae, the goalkeepers and the team have matured a lot. Thanks to the guidance and advice of the goalkeeping coaching staff, he performed effectively and contributed to the victory."
Vietnam U23 brilliantly defeated South Korea U23. Photo: AFC
Regarding Hieu Minh's serious injury, coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "I want to send words of encouragement to the South Korean U23 team. Everyone has worked hard. As for our players, every match from the beginning of the tournament until now has been extremely difficult."
The Vietnam U23 team was determined to give their all despite being shorthanded and won in the penalty shootout. Congratulations to you all. I am very proud of the whole team. In particular, Hieu Minh suffered a serious injury in this tournament, and I really hope he recovers soon."
"Vietnam is about to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year, and I want to send a New Year's greeting to all Vietnamese fans. As for the players, from the SEA Games to this tournament, they have worked very hard, constantly competing with few days off. After the U23 Asian Championship, they will get some rest," Coach Kim Sang Sik concluded.
Watch the entire 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship Finals on TV360 at https://tv360.vn
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-noi-loi-xuc-dong-sau-tran-u23-viet-nam-thang-han-quoc-2484693.html
Comment (0)