When searching for articles about the Vietnam team in Malaysian newspapers, the News Strait Times left an impression of comments about Mr. Kim Sang-sik.
"When the Malaysian team naturalizes many stars, their opponent - the Vietnamese team - is still themselves and stays calm. Mr. Kim Sang-sik does not seem worried and has been holding normal training since the end of May," said journalist Farah Azharie.
In recent years, the Malaysian team has often not had good results when facing the Vietnamese team, and the press of this country still seems to have certain concerns. But if we say that Mr. Kim Sang-sik is not worried, it is not true. However, the Korean coach had anticipated the challenge for himself.
It is not until now that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has begun to naturalize. Corbin-Ong, Dion Cools, Aguero, Endrick and Sumareh have played regularly in the World Cup qualifiers, Asian Cup qualifiers or ASEAN Cup. The Vietnamese team has met these players many times.
The difference comes from the background and the quality of this naturalized player. Facundo Garces attracted the most attention. He is playing at Deportivo Alaves (Spain), valued at $ 1.4 million. The level of the center -back of the Argentine blood does not have much debate. The controversy about the root was resolved when the Tango press confirmed that Garces's grandmother was Malaysia.
A series of other naturalized players are mentioned such as Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palermo and Rodrigo Hogaldo. Of which, Hogaldo is valued at nearly 900 thousand USD, playing for the famous team America de Cali in Colombia. In addition, Hector Hevel is playing in the Portuguese First Division, while Palermo started in famous Spanish youth teams such as Las Palmas, Tenerife.
The biggest problem for the Vietnamese team is clear. Tien Linh and his teammates have to face stars who are capable of making a difference and handling situations well. Basically, coach Peter Cklamovski has not been able to change the Malaysian team in an early time. This is still a team that is physically inclined and not excellent in ball control.
But with a star of difference in class on the field, a shining ball in personality can help Malaysia turn the game around against the Vietnamese team. This risk is difficult for coach Kim Sang-sik to foresee.
On the contrary, when Malaysia has not been able to build a truly stable framework like Indonesia is doing, the opportunity for Mr. Kim to win and extend the unbeaten streak still exists.
After many years, the Vietnamese team may have to focus on defending against Malaysia. But the most important thing is still the victory, which can help the Vietnamese team spread fear in Malaysian football.
