On the afternoon of September 4, coach Kim Sang-sik attended a press conference before the match between the Vietnamese team and the Russian team at the 2024 Triumvirate international friendly tournament.
At the beginning of the press conference, Mr. Kim Sang-sik shared: "I feel happy and honored that we continue to have a tournament after 3 months, counting from the last tournament.
I know Russia is a strong team and tomorrow's match will be difficult, but this is a new challenge for the team. No matter how strong the opponent is, what we need to do is not be afraid and go forward to get the best result."
Regarding the Vietnamese team's lineup for the upcoming match, the Korean strategist said: "In the previous matches against the Philippines and Iraq, most of the Vietnamese players had just finished the V.League, so their physical condition was ready.
However, for tomorrow's match, the players have not played recently and are not sure if they will be physically fit enough to play for 90 minutes. However, the whole team has prepared well and I believe the players will do their best.
In this tournament, we have 8 new players, along with the return of Que Ngoc Hai, Van Duc and Hai Long. We can change to newer players in the next match, because they are the future of Vietnamese football."
Evaluating the Russian team, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "I know this is not an easy match. On the FIFA rankings, Vietnam is ranked 115th, while Russia is ranked 33rd, a big difference in strength. But I like this challenge, I want to see the players' determination when competing.
After tomorrow's match, they can gain experience, practice patience, improve skills and techniques for future matches.
I have analyzed many matches of the Russian team such as the matches against Belarus, Qatar... as well as researched and analyzed the playing style of the players and the style of the Russian team coach.
I was quite impressed with goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. In addition, they also have many young players who play good attack. Last week, I met with the coaching staff and the Vietnamese team to analyze the opponent in more depth."
In the upcoming match, Dang Van Lam is the name mentioned the most when he has the opportunity to face his hometown team, which is also the place where he was born and trained before returning to Vietnam to compete.
"Both Lam and Filip are talented goalkeepers, training and performing well. I know Van Lam grew up in Russia, I will give him a chance in tomorrow's match. I believe he will perform well.
Before coming to the press conference, I shared this with Van Lam. Lam said that this was his dream match and thanked him for the opportunity to compete, while expressing great determination," coach Kim Sang-sik revealed.
For his part, center-back Que Ngoc Hai shared before the match: "I feel excited to meet the world's top team. Playing against Russia - a team that has participated in the World Cup many times will be a memorable experience for the players.
Vietnam's two opponents this time are both qualified teams, bringing many challenges to the players. These matches will be a stepping stone for Vietnam's upcoming goals."
The match between Vietnam and Russia will take place at 8:00 p.m. tomorrow (September 5).
