Speaking at the post-match press conference, coach Kim Sang-sik expressed his satisfaction with the spirit and efforts of the whole team, especially in the context that the match had to last 120 minutes.
He said: "First, I want to thank the entire U23 Vietnam team for your efforts. I am very proud that you have tried for 120 minutes. I thank all the fans who came to the stadium and watched and cheered for the team on television.
According to the Korean coach, U23 Vietnam has shown its identity and professional quality in a high-intensity match. He emphasized: "I believe that U23 Vietnam has brought quality football. I am proud of the players.
One of the key factors helping U23 Vietnam win is the reasonable tactical adjustment in extra time. Coach Kim Sang-sik revealed that the coaching staff actively asked the players to increase pressure on the opponent when their fitness allows: "Before the extra time took place, I told the players to put more pressure because we have better fitness than U23 UAE. Therefore, I want to thank the players for listening to this advice.
When asked about the possibility of re-establishing U23 Vietnam's achievements at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship finals under coach Park Hang-seo, Mr. Kim said that the whole team needs to focus on the road ahead.
The coach born in 1976 shared: "The players have tried very hard to achieve the results they have today. We will prepare even better to bring better performances.
Speaking about the preparation plan for the semi-finals, coach Kim Sang-sik said that the coaching staff will closely monitor potential opponents: "In the immediate future, we need to watch the match between U23 Uzbekistan and U23 China on the evening of January 17 to make predictions and analyses. After that, the whole team will try to prepare well. I believe that we will win in the semi-finals. Please wait for the performance on the field".
