Coach Kim Sang Sik at the post-match press conference - Photo: ANH KHOA
On the evening of July 22, the U23 Vietnam team defeated U23 Cambodia 2-1 in the final round of Group B of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship held in Indonesia, thereby winning a ticket to the semi-finals as group winners.
Vietnam U23's opponent in the semi-final match on July 25 will be Philippines U23, the second-placed team in Group A with 6 points after 3 matches.
Opening the post-match press conference, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "Before talking about the match, I want to express my condolences about the incident in Ha Long Bay. This is a heartbreaking incident. I hope everyone in Vietnam is safe."
The Korean coach said he was very happy after the victory over U23 Cambodia. "Winning 2 matches in the group stage is thanks to the players and the support of the fans. In the semi-finals, we will meet U23 Philippines. U23 Vietnam will prepare well to win," he said.
"What do you think when U23 Cambodia scored 1 goal against U23 Vietnam?", the reporter asked.
Coach Kim Sang Sik replied: "Before conceding the goal, we missed many opportunities. Things became difficult. However, we still put our faith in the players."
Coach Koji Gyotoku of U23 Cambodia at the press conference after the match - Photo: ANH KHOA
Answering the question "Do you want to meet U23 Philippines or another team in the semi-finals?", coach Kim Sang Sik said: "We are confident. U23 Philippines is also the away team so it will be easier than the home team U23 Indonesia. And no matter who we have to meet, we will prepare carefully to win."
Talking about U23 Vietnam's preparation for the semi-final match with U23 Philippines as well as facing the opponent's naturalized players, coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "U23 Philippines is a strong team and has a balanced playing style. But we have also analyzed this team, trying to beat them."
Sharing about the arrangement in set pieces, coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "We have scored 3 goals from set pieces from the central defenders. I hope they will continue to score in the semi-finals and finals. However, I also hope other players will shine."
Meanwhile, coach Koji Gyotoku of U23 Cambodia said: "Before the ball rolled, I knew that everything would be very difficult because U23 Vietnam is a very strong team. Each individual is very good and the whole team is well organized. The difference between U23 Vietnam and Cambodia is huge."
The Japanese coach added: "U23 Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are the top candidates for the championship of this tournament.
U23 Vietnam is much stronger than us. They have excellent individual skills and very good tactics. Players number 7 (Dinh Bac), number 8 (Van Truong), number 11 (Van Khang), number 20 (Anh Quan) are all very good."
Dinh Bac wants to win the championship with U23 Vietnam
Striker Dinh Bac, who scored the winning goal 2-1, shared: "U23 Vietnam and Cambodia had a good match. We were determined to win to enter the semi-finals. We will try harder, work harder to win the championship. I want to thank all Vietnamese fans."
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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-u23-viet-nam-se-chuan-bi-tot-de-thang-philippines-20250722215337349.htm
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