Goal to win Thailand
Coach Kim Sang-sik has gone through the first 3 matches with the Vietnamese team, since replacing Mr. Troussier.
In terms of playing style, the Korean coach actually brings diversity and intention in the tactical aspect. In terms of spirit, Mr. Kim is also creating solidarity and high determination for the Vietnamese team.
The problem is, the results that the Vietnamese team got in these 3 matches were not as expected.
Specifically, the team won 3-2 against the Philippines (World Cup qualifiers), then lost 1-3 against Iraq (World Cup qualifiers) and 0-3 against Russia (friendly).
Of course, doubts about Mr. Kim Sang-sik are still very high. Therefore, all attention will be on this strategist when the Vietnamese team meets Thailand . Even if it is just a friendly match, the result against the "War Elephants" will directly affect the "chair" of coach Kim Sang-sik.
Remember, 7 years ago, Mr. Park Hang-seo had a smooth start when U23 Vietnam won 2-1 against U23 Thailand. And for a long time after that, Mr. Park often ensured the goal of not losing to Thailand in important tournaments.
But in the end, before leaving the Vietnamese team, Mr. Park and the Vietnamese team still could not overcome the "shadow" of the Thai team, when they failed in two consecutive AFF Cups.
Coach Kim Sang-sik himself understands that only a victory against Thailand can help him strengthen his confidence. Not to mention that this match will also count for points on the FIFA rankings.
After the defeat to Russia, Vietnam is expected to drop to 115th place in the world. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team could fall even further if they continue to lose to Thailand. This means that Vietnam is at risk of falling out of the top seed group in the third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.
What are you planning to do when meeting Thailand?
The Thai team could not play against the Russian team on September 7 due to the impact of Typhoon Yagi. This prevented Mr. Kim Sang-sik from making the most accurate assessment of the opponent's strength, playing style, and personnel.
The Thai national team is focusing on rejuvenating its squad. They have a squad of players at their best and most promising age. They include Sasalak Haiprakhon, who won the K.League with Mr. Kim Sang-sik 3 years ago in Korea, or Ekanit Panya, a player who plays regularly at Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan); Suphanat Mueanta is also playing in Belgium.
In terms of playing style, the Thai team is very strong in coordination on the flanks and in the middle based on short balls. That forced Mr. Kim to prepare a countermeasure that leans heavily on defense.
In the past 2 days, the Vietnamese team's midfield has focused on organizing and blocking from afar. Mr. Kim also asked his students to focus on creating a "pincer" from the forwards and midfielders when the opponent has the ball in the middle of the field.
The plan to prevent the opponent from overlapping the flanks began to be meticulously built. Accordingly, the right and left flanks were limited from attacking too high as when facing the Russian team, to avoid Thailand from exploiting the two flanks with annoying down-the-flank moves.
Most likely, the Vietnamese team will have changes in personnel. Quang Hai, Tuan Hai, Vi Hao or Van Duc were among the "main actors" in the training session last night, September 8. It is not surprising if Vietnam is ready to give back, looking for a goal from a counterattack in the first half.
The victory over Thailand ensured coach Kim Sang-sik's confidence from players and fans.
