Speaking at the post-match press conference, coach Kim Sang-sik shared: We are very happy to win U22 Philippines today to advance to the final. I am very proud that our players fought until the last minute, with the spirit of not giving up".
The Korean coach also sent his congratulations to the players and expressed his appreciation for the fans' cheers: "I would like to send my congratulations to all the players, as well as my thanks to the fans who came to the stadium to cheer, as well as the audience cheering on the small screen in Vietnam. Thanks to your encouragement, we were able to win against the Philippines U22".
Evaluating the match, coach Kim Sang-sik said that both teams had tried their best, but U22 Vietnam was the team that took advantage of the opportunity better in the final minutes: Today, both teams have tried their best. However, we were luckier so we won. I also sent the U22 Philippines words of encouragement and applause".
The strategist born in 1976 especially emphasized the fighting spirit of his students against opponents who are highly appreciated for their physical strength and playing style: "With a scale of 100, I want to give the players 100 points, even 120 points for both their physical and mental preparation and fighting spirit against the strong opponent Philippines".
When asked about the opponent in the final match, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that U22 Vietnam does not care about meeting any team: "We also had a final match at Rajamangala Stadium in January and at this SEA Games, we will continue to return here to compete in the final. I feel very happy, I think that there is no mountain that cannot be overcome, U22 Vietnam can win the championship".
He added: "In this match, whoever the opponent is, Malaysia or Thailand, as long as we prepare carefully and play according to the plan, we are completely capable of winning the championship."
Coach Kim Sang-sik said that the whole team clearly defined the significance of the upcoming final: I have said that this is a tournament where we will fight for the honor of the country, of U22 Vietnam and of the players. U22 Vietnam will prepare carefully and try to win.
The Korean coach also sent a call to fans: "I hope that the Vietnamese fans will come to the stadium in large numbers, cheering and encouraging the whole team a lot. U22 Vietnam will try their best to repay the love of the fans.
In addition, Mr. Kim Sang-sik praised striker Dinh Bac, one of the outstanding players in the semi-finals: I thank Dinh Bac for playing very hard, trying his best, creating good energy for the whole team. Before the match, I also met him privately and discussed with him that we should not be satisfied with our current position, but must aim for a higher goal."
He added: "Dinh Bac has met the spirit I requested and played well. He has a lot of experience playing in the V.League, but I also said that he should challenge himself in higher tournaments such as in Europe, Japan or Korea.
According to the plan, U22 Vietnam will compete in the 33rd SEA Games men's football final at Rajamangala Stadium on the evening of December 18, facing the winning team in the remaining semi-final match between U22 Thailand and U22 Malaysia.
