U23 Vietnam: When Mr. Kim Sang Sik is both good and lucky

Coach Kim Sang Sik is very good

In the past three matches at the U23 Southeast Asian tournament, coach Kim Sang Sik has clearly shown the mark of a modern strategist: flexible, decisive and not afraid to change.

From the familiar 3-4-3 formation, U23 Vietnam has repeatedly switched seamlessly to 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2, 5-4-1) depending on the match's developments. Notably, Mr. Kim's students showed impressive adaptability to those changes, from switching positions, playing on the flanks, or dropping back to support the defense.

Coach Kim Sang Sik is showing his talent

The personnel decision is also a big plus for the Korean coach. Names that seem to be “nailed down” to the main squad such as Thai Son, Dinh Bac or Viktor Le… all had to sit on the bench at times when their performance did not meet the requirements. This fairness and equality makes the U23 Vietnam team compete healthily, with no room for subjectivity or privilege.

Another typical example of Mr. Kim Sang Sik's "goodness" is the semi-final match against U23 Philippines. In the first half, U23 Vietnam proactively conceded the game, not pressing as usual.

As a result, the Philippines exhausted their stamina too early. As the second half entered, Vietnam began to accelerate and completely control the game. This was not only a correct tactical choice, but also demonstrated Kim Sang Sik's sharp thinking and calculation.

And U23 Vietnam is very lucky

It is undeniable that U23 Vietnam has fallen into an easy group with only 3 teams and the two remaining opponents are U23 Laos and U23 Cambodia - both are considered below average.

This has given Mr. Kim Sang Sik a huge advantage in rotating his squad and keeping his key players. The opponent in the semi-finals, U23 Philippines, is also a younger team in terms of age and lack of international experience, so the victory of U23 Vietnam is quite understandable.

At the same time, possessing a squad of quality players and an easy draw helps U23 Vietnam to almost complete its goal in the U23 Southeast Asian tournament.

The luck of U23 Vietnam also comes from the quality of the squad. Many players have played for U20, U23 and even the Vietnam national team since the time of Coach Troussier, and have been trained through many big and small tournaments. Although not too explosive, they are certainly more mature and brave than their opponents in this tournament.

With the talent of a coach who knows how to "cut his coat according to his cloth" and the support of lucky factors, the path to the U23 Southeast Asian championship is more open than ever for U23 Vietnam.