Vietnam Coach Kim Sang-sik Aims for World Cup Berth After ASEAN Cup Victory

Kim Sang-sik, the head coach of the Vietnamese national football team, has set his sights on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals after leading his team to a second consecutive ASEAN Hyundai Cup title. Vietnam secured the championship by drawing 2-2 against Thailand in the second leg of the final on August 26, winning the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

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The players followed me well, and thanks to the support of the Vietnamese fans, we were able to win. I am very happy, but I will prepare again.

Speaking to domestic media via an online press conference on August 28, Kim expressed his gratitude to the players and Vietnamese fans for the victory. "The players followed me well, and thanks to the support of the Vietnamese fans, we were able to win. I am very happy, but I will prepare again," he said. The team's recent success includes an ongoing 26-game unbeaten streak, a testament to their consistent performance in the regional tournament often referred to as the "Southeast Asian World Cup."

Kim attributed the team's success to his leadership approach, which emphasizes adaptability and player trust. "There is no special method of leadership. Football is always changing, so quick responses seem to bring good results," he explained. "Tactically, it's about attacking the opponent's weaknesses quickly, and I am grateful that the players trust me and follow me well."

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There is no special method of leadership. Football is always changing, so quick responses seem to bring good results. Tactically, it's about attacking the opponent's weaknesses quickly, and I am grateful that the players trust me and follow me well.

He also spoke highly of Nguyen Dinh Bac, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and top scorer with five goals. Kim shared a moment of apology for substituting Dinh Bac in a previous match, only to be touched by the player's continued dedication and lack of complaint. Kim also mentioned that FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed a desire to see Vietnam qualify for the World Cup.

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Infantino said he wants to see Vietnam qualify for the World Cup finals.

Looking ahead, Kim confirmed he will not be coaching the U-23 team at the upcoming Asian Games in September, focusing instead on the senior national team's campaign in another tournament in Indonesia during the same period. Vietnam is also set to face South Korea, Kim's home country, in the same group during the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January. Kim stated he would prepare thoroughly for the match against South Korea, expressing hope that his home country would also perform well.

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The goal is to create an opportunity for Vietnam to advance to the World Cup. As a coach, it would be better for Vietnam, but even if not for Vietnam, I have a desire to compete against world-class teams in the World Cup.