The "weapon cards
The success of U23 and the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang-sik comes from many factors. Careful preparation, quality squad and many faces who know how to shine at the right time are the formula to bring titles to the "Golden Star Warriors". Besides the key players who are in high form throughout the tournament, Mr. Kim also possesses a "high card" that can surprise opponents.
The clearest proof is in the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship journey. Nguyen Xuan Son caused a stir throughout the tournament when he scored 7 goals and won the Golden Boot title. However, in the second leg final, it was Pham Tuan Hai - a striker who was almost not used before - who was the main character. He scored 1 goal and indirectly caused defender Pansa Hemviboon of Thailand to score an own goal.
More than half a year later at the 2026 U23 Southeast Asian Championship finals in Indonesia, Nguyen Phi Hoang and Nguyen Dinh Bac made a big impression when bringing U23 Vietnam to the final. But in the championship match with the home team, Nguyen Cong Phuong was the owner of the only goal that brought success.
At SEA Games 33, "strategic reserve" player Le Van Thuan spoke up at the right time in the semi-finals and finals. Especially, in the comeback against Thailand in the gold medal match, the player from Thanh Hoa entered the field from the 2nd half and created a big breakthrough. Thanh Nhan's goal came from Van Thuan's skillful dribbling close to the penalty area.
AFC U23 Championship 2026 also witnessed a new hero. Before the third-place match, Tran Trung Kien held the number 1 position and played extremely well in goal. On the final day of the tournament, coach Kim Sang-sik again created conditions for Cao Van Binh to guard the goal. The goalkeeper from Nghe An made everyone burst into tears thanks to his penalty-taking talent, thereby helping U23 Vietnam win a bronze medal.
Who will be the surprise?
Towards ASEAN Cup 2026, the 25 selected players are all in the plan from the beginning of the Korean coach. They are also given the opportunity to play when the Vietnamese national team plays 4 friendly matches with K.League clubs and the Myanmar national team. Through this, coach Kim Sang-sik and his colleagues have full data on the strengths and weaknesses of each individual.
Based on the force and framework built recently, it is not surprising if Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, Dinh Bac, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Van Hau or Tien Anh play the leading role. They have already performed very well in the past month, from scoring efficiency, performance to physical fitness. However, to reach the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship, the Vietnamese team must face many "obstacles". Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia or the Philippines study the main squad of the Vietnamese team very carefully. Of course, the 49-year-old strategist will have to prepare a strategic plan ready to "play the main role" at any time.
Hai Long, Tran Viet Cuong, Van Vi can completely become "heroes" of the Vietnamese team. Throughout the recent friendly series, Hai Long scored 3 goals and had many uncomfortable attacks. Remember, at ASEAN Cup 2024, this right-footed striker is the one who scored the opening and closing goals of the home team's tournament. In the context that opponents focus too much on Dinh Bac, Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, Tai Loc, the playing field for Hai Long will be wider.
Viet Cuong is a newcomer of the Vietnamese team at this ASEAN Cup. Although he does not directly score goals, some of his assists are highly appreciated by the coaching staff. In times when speed and difference are needed against the opponent's encirclement, Viet Cuong promises to be an unpredictable " spearhead".
Van Vi cannot be ignored, the player who scored the most goals for the Vietnamese team in 2025. Although not the top choice on the left flank like Van Hau, Tuan Tai, in return he possesses the ability to accelerate in the middle range and finish well, which can surprise Indonesia, Thailand or Malaysia.
