The Vietnam national football team is ramping up preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, securing two consecutive victories during their training camp in South Korea. After a dominant 6-0 win against Siheung FC, Vietnam triumphed 2-1 over Yongin FC in their second friendly match. Coach Kim Sang-sik assessed the team's decision-making, response to pressure, and tactical execution in both contrasting match scenarios.
According to Bongda.com on July 9, the Vietnam team defeated Yongin FC 2-1 in their second friendly match held on July 8. Following their earlier victory against Siheung FC, Vietnam has captured the attention of Southeast Asian football fans with two wins in South Korea. The ASEAN Cup, organized by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), features national teams from major Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, competing for regional supremacy. This year, the tournament is also referred to as the 'ASEAN Hyundai Cup' due to sponsorship from Hyundai.
The second match differed significantly from the first. While the first match against K3 League team Siheung FC showcased Vietnam's attacking prowess, the second match tested their ability to withstand pressure and secure a win against a stronger K League 2 team, Yongin FC. Bongda.com noted that Yongin FC displayed a higher level of performance, consistently challenging Vietnam's defense.
Vietnam capitalized on an early opportunity, with Nguyen Hai Long scoring the opening goal in the 9th minute. Despite Yongin FC controlling more possession, Vietnam seized the momentum. The decisive goal came in the second half when Nguyen Suan Son scored in the 75th minute, confirming Vietnam's 2-1 victory. Suan Son demonstrated his knack for being in the right place at crucial moments, reaffirming his presence as a key forward.
Valuable Data from a Close Match Over a Dominant Win
Southeast Asian fans attributed greater significance to the victory over Yongin FC. One fan remarked, "Winning 2-1 against a K League 2 team is far more valuable than a large win against a K League 3 team. It shows that Vietnam is taking the AFF Cup 2026 very seriously." Another fan added, "Winning both matches indicates that Coach Kim Sang-sik is clearly heading in the right direction."
Coach Kim's player management during the two matches also drew attention. He utilized different lineups in each half while still securing victories. This approach is significant not just for the results but for assessing the team. By experimenting with various combinations in real matches, the coaching staff gathered valuable data.
The match against Yongin FC revealed both strengths and weaknesses for Vietnam. The team had to maintain defensive concentration while facing an opponent with more possession. Players endured a high defensive workload for most of the match, needing to maintain spacing, transition speed, and tactical discipline throughout.
In this context, Vietnam's ability to capitalize on opportunities stood out. Hai Long continued his strong form from his club to the national team. Suan Son showcased the decisiveness needed from a forward, proving why he is a vital asset in the attack. His strengths have also become a topic of discussion among Southeast Asian fans, who praised his solid physique, aerial ability, and knack for shining in critical moments.
Final Test Against Gangwon FC Ahead of the AFF Cup
Meanwhile, the hard-fought victory provided Coach Kim with crucial insights. While an easy win can boost team morale, facing a strong opponent under pressure reveals players' true responsiveness. The 90 minutes against Yongin FC served as a test for how Vietnam can endure challenging situations and transition to attack.
Coach Kim evaluated how players maintained focus under pressure and their ability to withstand match intensity. The connections between lines, speed of transitions, defensive organization, and adherence to tactical commitments become clearer when facing a challenging opponent. In this regard, the match against Yongin FC can be seen as a necessary practical assessment for the Vietnam national team.
However, some caution has been expressed regarding judging the team's competitiveness for the AFF Cup solely based on friendly match results. Bongda.com noted that the outcomes of private friendlies do not fully reflect the pressures of tournament play in the AFF Cup. Nevertheless, many fans have praised Coach Kim and the coaching staff for their tactical management.
The training camp in South Korea is progressing with increasing difficulty. Vietnam gained attacking confidence from the Siheung FC match and tested their response capabilities in the Yongin FC match. Their next opponent is Gangwon FC, a team from the top tier of Korean professional football, K League 1. The match against Gangwon FC is expected to be the most important final assessment before returning home.
Currently, the Vietnam national team is solidifying its preparation for the AFF Cup 2026 through this training camp in South Korea. The 6-0 victory against Siheung FC showcased their attacking strength, while the 2-1 win over Yongin FC confirmed their ability to secure results in challenging situations. The upcoming match against Gangwon FC is anticipated to be a final test of the team's current readiness and responsiveness in real match conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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