Vietnam's football team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, is navigating both achievements and challenges. The senior team secured a 4-0 victory over Myanmar, boosting their confidence as they prepare for the ASEAN Cup. Meanwhile, the U23 team has been seeded for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, placing them in a favorable position for the group draw. However, underlying issues with defensive organization remain, and the possibility of facing tough opponents in the Asian Games looms.
According to reports from Vietnamese football site Bongda.com on July 19, the U23 team has been assigned the top seed for the men's football draw at the 2026 Asian Games. This seeding places Vietnam alongside host nation Japan, China, and South Korea, allowing them to avoid facing these teams early in the group stage. This development provides a positive condition for coach Kim Sang-sik, easing the burden of early tournament management.
However, being a top seed does not guarantee an easy draw. The second seed includes Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Thailand, while the third seed features Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, and the Philippines. If Vietnam is grouped with Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Qatar, they could face significant pressure right from the group stage.
Focus on U21 for ASIAD and Generational Transition
Kim Sang-sik's strategy for the Asian Games aims to balance short-term results with a generational transition. The U23 team is set to travel to Japan, primarily featuring U21 players, as part of a long-term strategy looking ahead to the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, the 2028 AFC U23 Championship, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers. The Vietnam Football Federation and Coach Kim may consider integrating some experienced U23 players to maintain balance within the young squad.
The senior team's 4-0 victory over Myanmar has lifted the spirits of Kim Sang-sik's squad. In a friendly match held at the Thai Nguyen Stadium, goals from Suan Son, Suan Main, Hoang Hen, and Dinh Bac contributed to the decisive win. Following a training camp in South Korea, the team's attacking play has become smoother, and the diversity in scoring options was evident with four different players finding the net.
Thai media also took note of Vietnam's performance. The Thai sports outlet Krianburiram praised the team, stating, "Vietnam is strong enough to deserve the title of Southeast Asia's number one." The outlet highlighted that Vietnam fielded a strong lineup, including key players and three Brazilian-born athletes, and analyzed that the comprehensive victory showcased the team's capabilities ahead of major tournaments.
Myanmar's head coach Jorn Andersen acknowledged Vietnam's superiority after the match, stating that his team needs to learn more. This victory has been seen as a boost for both tactical preparation and psychological confidence for Vietnam.
Defensive Issues Remain a Concern
However, for Coach Kim Sang-sik, the match against Myanmar was more of a test than a complete performance. While Vietnam dominated the game, they exposed gaps in their defensive spacing during counterattacks. Notably, towards the end of the first half, the midfielders advanced but failed to return quickly, leaving spaces in front of the three-man defense and on the flanks.
This defensive issue could pose a greater burden in the ASEAN Cup. Although Myanmar did not demonstrate sufficient individual skill or finishing ability to change the game, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are teams that can capitalize on even minor mistakes. This is why Coach Kim and his staff need to analyze video footage to address spacing and transition speed in defense.
Coach Kim's tasks are clear. The senior team must prove their status as a regional powerhouse through results, while the U23 team needs to develop young players for the international stage. On one front, there is the challenge of defending the ASEAN Cup title, and on the other, the need to build a foundation for the Asian Games and future Olympic qualifiers.
Currently, Vietnamese football stands at a crossroads of praise and caution. The top seed assignment and the 4-0 victory are clear achievements for Kim Sang-sik's team, but the defensive organization and squad management will need further validation in matchups against stronger teams. The true test for Coach Kim is expected to begin once the excitement of the victory subsides.
The men's football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 15 to October 3 in Osaka, Toyota, Nagoya, and Kariya. Coach Kim will face the dual challenge of meeting expectations for results while preparing for the future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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