Lose and learn
The 2024 LPBank Cup Triumvirate was not completed when Typhoon Yagi caused the match between Russia and Thailand to be canceled. That means, only Vietnam will be able to play 2 full matches. After losing to Russia on September 5, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will meet Thailand tonight. Not to compete for the championship but mainly to fix the problems seen in the 0-3 loss to Russia.
It was still about defense and finishing, but the match against Russia was on another level. While there was a lot of regret for missed opportunities, the real dissatisfaction was mostly focused on the defensive elements, including a very regrettable mistake for the second goal.
The fact that Russia is ranked 33rd in the world is one reason to explain the 3 goals conceded, but will the representatives from Europe create suffocating pressure to make the Vietnamese defense make mistakes? Remember, Russia came to Vietnam with a squad of many young players and they fielded 6 players aged 23 or younger in the starting lineup.
The new V.League season has not started yet, which could be another reason why the players have not been able to release their inertia, but that is probably only part of the reason. Basically, there is still some mentality when facing a stronger opponent, so that can be overcome when facing a more equal Thai team.
Win or keep testing?
The rivalry between Vietnam and Thailand is high enough that any fan would want to win, especially when the “Golden Star Warriors” have only won 1 of their last 7 meetings. However, the question is, what does coach Kim Sang-sik value?
The Korean coach surprised everyone by leaving a number of key players on the bench in the match against Russia, leading experts to believe that against Thailand, he would field his strongest squad with the goal of winning. However, information from the Thai team shows that they also brought to Vietnam a squad of many new, young players - 10 of whom have never played for the national team.
Coach Ishii Masatada made it clear that this trip is to test the young players in the absence of experienced seniors such as Teerasil Dangda, Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan. Among the remaining members of the squad, captain midfielder Weerathep Pomphan is the player with the most appearances for the national team (33).
So, how will Kim Sang-sik “handle” this game? By fielding the strongest lineup, the possibility of winning is quite high. But that limits the opportunities for young players. In fact, Kim Sang-sik also only called up 6 players under the age of 23 for FIFA Days in September (not counting 2 goalkeepers). So there is still a possibility that he will continue to alternate 1 or 2 young players in the starting lineup, before being able to bring more players on the field in the second half.
Here, when the Thai team's attack only has 22-year-old player, Suphanat Mueanta, who has the most experience - 21 appearances for the team, the Vietnamese team's defense is of course not allowed to make mistakes. Meanwhile, the attack must score. That is a must to win.
