Coach Kim Sang-sik: 'Vietnam U22 must win against Malaysia at all costs'

Coach Kim Sang-sik aims to win against U22 Malaysia. Photo: VF F

Following their opening 2-1 victory against Laos U22 on December 3rd, Vietnam U22 had nearly a week to assess their squad and refine their tactics. Speaking at a training session on the afternoon of December 10th, coach Kim Sang-sik stated: “We have all 23 players in top condition. Tomorrow’s match is a crucial one, and the whole team is aiming for a positive result.”

Assessing their opponents, Mr. Kim noted that the U22 Malaysia team plays aggressively, focusing on speed and tackling. However, the U22 Vietnam team has thoroughly studied this style of play after the coaching staff directly observed their matches.

“Malaysia is physically strong and has a sharp attacking style. But the Vietnam U22 team is well-prepared, both tactically and physically. Technical meetings show that the team is capable of controlling the match,” he said.

While U22 Malaysia only needed a draw to secure first place, U22 Vietnam had to win if they wanted to control their own destiny. Coach Kim emphasized that the team spirit would be key: “I told the players that this is no longer an ordinary group stage match. We have to treat it as a life-or-death game. Winning is a mandatory task.”

The match between Vietnam U22 and Malaysia U22 will take place at 4:00 PM on December 11th and is considered the "Group B final" for a ticket to the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.

'The refereeing at the SEA Games is not good.' On the afternoon of December 10th, representatives of the Vietnamese Taekwondo team expressed their frustration when Nguyen Trong Phuc and Trinh Thi Kim Ha won the silver medal in the mixed doubles poomsae (forms) event.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-u22-viet-nam-phai-thang-malaysia-bang-moi-gia-post1610104.html