Before the confrontation with Indonesia in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the Vietnamese team aims to win all 3 points to nurture hopes of winning a ticket to the semi-finals.
Sharing at the pre-match press conference, the Korean strategist emphasized: "We are here not to earn 1 point but to win all 3 points".
After the regrettable draw against Singapore, the Vietnamese team is under a lot of pressure in the race to win a ticket to the next round. However, coach Kim Sang-sik believes that his students have prepared carefully both mentally and professionally.
He said: "In the match against Singapore, despite creating many chances, the players could not win, which is quite regrettable. If we win, planning for the away match against Indonesia will be easier, but sharing points puts some pressure on us. However, the players are preparing very well. The whole team wants to relieve that regret with a good performance tomorrow.
Assessing the opponent, coach Kim Sang-sik said that the coaching staff has carefully analyzed Indonesia's two most recent matches to build a response plan. He especially noted the air combat ability of striker Mitchell Bakker and the decisive passes from the player wearing number 19.
However, the 49-year-old coach still places his faith in the defense system of the Vietnamese team.
The Vietnamese national team's defense is also playing well when they have not conceded a goal after 2 matches. My players are completely confident in their ability. We do not face each other individually but play as a cohesive team to become stronger," he shared.
Regarding opinions that the Vietnamese team lacks a true defensive midfielder, coach Kim Sang-sik admitted that this is a problem that the coaching staff is trying to overcome, and revealed that the team will make tactical adjustments.
He said: "This is also a problem that we have been and are concerned about. However, I cannot reveal too much because Indonesian media is also following this press conference. The coaching staff and players have dissected the video to find solutions to overcome this weakness. Tomorrow we will have new tactical options and I am very much looking forward to the match.
According to the schedule, the Vietnamese team will face Indonesia on the evening of August 3rd at the Pakansari stadium. This is considered a decisive match for coach Kim Sang-sik's team in the race to win tickets to the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals.
