Young wind and the two-legged "test" with Nepal

VHO - Coach Kim Sang-sik announced the list of 24 players for the two matches against Nepal in October in Ho Chi Minh City. The strong presence of the U23 talent group and the return of key players created a vibrant picture, but also raised many questions about the depth of the squad, the balance of experience and youth, and the positions left open due to injuries.

Coach Kim Sang-sik called up many young players in this training session.

Young wind

Immediately after the call-up list was announced, much attention was focused on the 8 young faces who had just had a successful year with U23 Vietnam. From the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship to the ticket to the 2026 Asian U23 Finals, Tran Trung Kien, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Van Viet, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Nguyen Dinh Bac continued to be given opportunities at the highest level.

This group of players is no longer too unfamiliar with the national team. Van Khang, Thanh Nhan or Dinh Bac have been "specially assigned" to the national team many times, but the fact that they are all present in an official squad list still creates a new impression. This is a new generation full of energy, which can help coach Kim Sang-sik increase his tactical options, while giving them the opportunity to accumulate battle experience in the international environment.

Along with the young generation are veteran faces, who have proven their class through many tournaments: Do Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung, Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Quang Hai, Pham Tuan Hai, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Nguyen Tien Linh... The return of goalkeeper Dang Van Lam helps the goalpost become more solid. This is a combination of youth and experience, reflecting the true philosophy of team building of the Korean strategist.

From the ASEAN Cup 2024 to the successful journey of U23 Vietnam, Coach Kim Sang-sik has shown his consistency in the philosophy of selective rejuvenation, bringing young players into a larger environment but placing them next to their seniors to learn. This list continues to clearly demonstrate that philosophy.

Looking at the structure, it can be seen that the Vietnamese team is divided into reasonable levels. The defensive line still has experienced "anchors" such as Tien Dung, Duy Manh or Quang Vinh, to support young rookies such as Hieu Minh and Nhat Minh. In the midfield, Hoang Duc and Hai Long play the coordinating role, while Van Khang provides creativity and connection. In the attack, Tuan Hai - Tien Linh continue to be the central duo, while Thanh Nhan, Xuan Bac or Dinh Bac bring speed and surprise on the flanks.

The underrated Nepal will be a good test for these adjustments. Familiar formations such as 4-2-3-1 or a variant of 3-2-5 could be deployed, with young strikers being tested in new roles. The pressing spirit and quick transitions that have been a characteristic of Kim will continue to be emphasized.

There are also some regrettable absences in the call-up list. For example: the lack of a right-footed central defender who is good in the air like Viet Anh, the loss of a winger with great speed and crossing ability like Van Thanh, or the lack of a "shuttle" like Ngoc Quang. However, under coach Kim Sang-sik, the team does not emphasize individual roles but focuses on the collective. He built a system where each position has a replacement. If one link is absent, another will take on the work, ensuring that the common rhythm is not broken. This is a modern approach, helping the team minimize the risk of depending on stars.

Two "tests" with Nepal

According to the schedule, the Vietnamese team will gather from October 4 in Ho Chi Minh City. The first leg match with Nepal will take place on October 9 at Go Dau Stadium (Thu Dau Mot Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), the second leg will take place on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (Dien Hong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City). After two matches at the top of Group F, Vietnam has 3 points (1 win, 1 loss), ranking second behind Malaysia. Six points against Nepal will help coach Kim Sang-sik and his team continue to chase and maintain the opportunity to continue.

However, for Mr. Kim, the important goal is not just the score. This is also a "test" to shape the personnel for the major tournaments at the end of the year and in 2026. The young players will be tested in an official atmosphere, learning to adapt to pressure. When they return to U23, they will bring with them valuable experience to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 U23 Asian Cup.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's strategy does not rely on individual brilliance but on discipline and diversity in attack. The number of 9 different players scoring in the last 6 matches of U23 Vietnam is proof. That philosophy is being brought to the national team by him, building a team that knows how to share the responsibility of scoring goals, not depending on only one striker.

This is a cautious but sustainable approach. Don’t expect immediate success, as connecting the younger generation and veterans takes time. The important thing is that the process is on track, with steady steps.

The list of 24 players gathered for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers is not just a personnel notice board, it reflects the way coach Kim Sang-sik is building the team: patiently rejuvenating, maintaining a balance between experience and youth, focusing on the system over individuals. The gaps due to injuries or unfortunate absences invisibly become opportunities for new players to assert themselves.

The two matches against Nepal are therefore not only aimed at winning all 6 points, but also as a milestone in the process of renewing the team, preparing for a new cycle. Fans have the right to expect a team full of vitality, discipline and ambition, ready to continue writing the story at the Asian Cup 2027 and beyond.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/lan-gio-tre-va-bai-thi-hai-luot-voi-nepal-172018.html