Missed practice…
After losing 0-3 to the Russian team in the opening match of the LPBank Cup 2024 international friendly tournament, the Vietnamese team had a training session in hot weather conditions on September 6. However, the content of the training session was not much about tactics because the team was not fully formed (the main players in the match against the Russian team stayed at the hotel to rest and undergo physical therapy to speed up their recovery).
Then, Typhoon Yagi began to make landfall on the morning of September 7, causing the team to lose another day of outdoor training. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team only did physical and muscle maintenance exercises in the gym. Although the match with the Thai team will not take place until September 10, the lack of outdoor training days will have a certain impact.
Accordingly, after some problems were pointed out from the match with the Russian team, the Korean coach and his students really need to learn from the situations on the field during practice. Anyone can see and learn from theory, but practicing and correcting on the training ground can even help the players learn other lessons.
Against the Russian team, although there were times when they played well, the Vietnamese team's defense still needs attention. Not only the individual mistakes that led to the second goal, but also the way the whole system operates in the way of closing down, blocking and supporting each other in all situations - even when attacking and being counter-attacked, not simply responding when the opponent puts pressure.
Lost opportunity to observe opponents
Also due to Typhoon Yagi, the match between the Russian team and the Thai team was canceled. The friendly tournament was of course not complete, but for the Vietnamese team, Mr. Kim Sang-sik, the coaching staff and the players missed the opportunity to observe and evaluate the team from the Land of the Golden Temples.
Current information only stops at the fact that coach Masatada Ishii does not have two important factors, Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan, but does not know much about the playing style, operation and possibly the factors used to fill the positions of the two stars. Or does the Japanese coach have any new plans when the two pillars are absent?
Of course, people still say, “the most important thing is yourself”, but understanding and grasping the opponent is also another important factor for adjusting appropriate tactics.
Back to friendly nature
When the match between Russia and Thailand could not take place, the Organizing Committee of the friendly tournament also made adjustments, deciding to cancel the prize ($10,000 for the winning team). That means the match between Vietnam and Thailand is only a friendly match.
Amidst the rivalry between the two football powers, the match is still very much watched, but when the competition has dropped to zero, the preparation and intentions of the two coaches may also be different. If there is any competitive factor, it is probably just the points for the FIFA rankings. If the Vietnam team wins, the team will be awarded 5.48 points. In case of a draw, it will only be 0.48 points and if it loses, it will be deducted 4.52 points. FIFA ranks the matches at the LPBank Cup 2024 in Group A. Currently, the Vietnam team has been deducted 2.14 points for losing to the Russian team.
