Hats off to the class of coach Kim Sang-sik!

Coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical prowess has earned him widespread admiration, and perhaps there will be little debate left about whether he was simply lucky or skilled.

Coach Kim Sang-sik is incredibly skilled at leading the Vietnam U23 team.

Photo: Ted Tran

Kim's classic "tearing up the game" move.

After the first two rounds, the situation in Group A has become extremely complicated as opportunities remain open for all four teams. The Vietnam U23 team has the best chance of advancing, but the risk of elimination still looms large for Coach Kim Sang-sik's team.

The biggest challenge is determining the mindset of the Vietnam U23 team going into the final match: Should they give it their all to earn points and secure a place in the next round, or should they plan for the long term, considering the possibility of facing Japan U23 if they finish second in the group?

Amidst those questions, coach Kim Sang-sik once again "shook the script" with an answer that defied all expectations. The South Korean coach shocked everyone by making four changes to the starting lineup, fielding Anh Quân, Lê Viktor, Công Phương, and Ngọc Mỹ from the beginning.

A fantastic shot by Dinh Bac.

Photo: Ted Tran

Facing the host team, Saudi Arabia U23, who poured all their energy and resources into seeking victory, including large bonuses, Vietnam U23, with nearly half of its players having little or no prior experience, bravely and proactively countered the relentless attacks that crashed against the shore.

And then, Kim's substitutions in the second half once again proved effective. Dinh Bac and Le Phat, who were brought onto the field at the beginning of the second half, both made a clear impact, especially Dinh Bac's flawless finish.

The belief among Kim and his students.

The Vietnam U23 team is causing the biggest shock at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, setting a series of historical milestones such as winning all three matches for the first time, reaching the knockout round as group winners, and defeating Asian powerhouses like Saudi Arabia.

The starting lineup was unexpected against Saudi Arabia U.23.

Photo: Ted Tran

More importantly, the way our team calmly accepts and overcomes pressure is creating immense confidence in a collective with formidable teamwork, unwavering resilience, and a knack for creating historic moments.

The solidity of the defense with players like Trung Kien, Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh, and Ly Duc, along with the excellent mobility and balance of Thai Son and Xuan Bac; the persistent runs down the flanks; and the attack that always knows how to explode… all create a clever and proactive style of play.

Having come this far and proven themselves, perhaps the limits of the Vietnam U23 team lie only in themselves and the calculated, decisive, and high-class coaching of coach Kim Sang-sik.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nga-mu-than-phuc-dang-cap-hlv-kim-sang-sik-185260113024824975.htm