Have the experiments been solved?
The most noticeable point in coach Kim Sang-sik's way of using players is flexibility. The Korean coach does not frame the Vietnamese team in a fixed formula, but instead constantly changes the links in the attack, midfield and even the way of organizing attacks.
Against Timor Leste, Dinh Bac, Hoang Hen and Xuan Son were arranged in attack. Hoang Duc played alongside Quang Hai in midfield, Tien Anh and Van Vi operated on both wings, while Van Hau, Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung took charge of defense. Vietnam won 7-0, but the performance of Hoang Duc and Quang Hai was not really outstanding.
The problem was clearly revealed in the match against Singapore, when coach Kim kept the same framework. Against a tightly defending opponent, Vietnam only drew 0-0. Hoang Duc, Quang Hai lacked breakthroughs, the attack missed many opportunities. Dinh Bac played faintly, being substituted off the field in the first half to make way for Tai Loc.
Strong adjustments appeared in the match against Indonesia. Dinh Bac, Tai Loc and Hai Long were chosen at the top. Hoang Duc paired with Thanh Long, Tien Anh and Van Vi continued on both wings, while Viet Anh, Thanh Chung and Xuan Manh were the trio in the defense.
This plan helped the Vietnamese team have the most convincing performance in the group stage. Thanh Long played low, creating conditions for Hoang Duc to push high, while Hai Long and Van Vi continuously exploited gaps. Two early goals helped Vietnam control the game, with dangerous close-angle finishes from Van Vi and Hai Long.
Notably, Jackie Chan's value lies in his ability to support defense and switch states. When he plays low, Hoang Duc has more space to participate in attack. This midfield pair also helps Vietnam limit the influence of Thom Haye, Marc Klok and Ivar Jenner.
In the match against Cambodia, Mr. Kim almost kept the framework that once defeated Indonesia but brought Quang Hai back to the starting lineup, while Tai Loc was on the bench. The Vietnamese team won 3-1 but still had some blemishes. Xuan Son missed the opportunity, Quang Hai was substituted out from the 2nd half and the defense had moments of lack of concentration.
Malaysia will be a real test
The group stage is a time for coach Kim Sang-sik to experiment, but the semi-finals require stability. Against Malaysia, who are good at counter-attacking defense, the Vietnamese team needs a framework that is both solid when losing the ball and sufficiently breakthrough when the opponent retreats deep.
If using Thanh Long and Hoang Duc, Vietnam can increase combat strength in midfield and maintain the ability to switch states. If Quang Hai appears, the team has another option to handle situations where it is necessary to break the defensive system with technique or final passes.
In attack, Dinh Bac, Hai Long, Tai Loc, Hoang Hen and Xuan Son also bring different choices. Dinh Bac has speed, good maneuvering in the penalty area, Hai Long has the ability to penetrate, shoot from distance and take advantage of opportunities quite effectively, Tai Loc presses well, putting significant pressure on the opponent, while Xuan Son and Hoang Hen bring strength and the ability to create breakthroughs.
What coach Kim Sang-sik needs to avoid is using too many players who tend to push high together, making the space behind the midfield become a weakness. Against a Malaysia waiting for counter-attack opportunities, losing the ball in the center can create immediate danger.
From what has been shown, the squad used in the victory against Indonesia has a basis to become the starting lineup in the match against Malaysia in the semi-finals. However, that does not mean Quang Hai, Xuan Son or Hoang Hen have to sit out. Coach Kim Sang-sik is famous for his "magic" when arranging the squad and playing style that can "disallow" the opponent's plans. The clearest example is also the match against Indonesia that they could not grasp.
Now is the time for the Korean coach to choose the most optimal option. Against Malaysia, the stability of the squad and the ability to adjust in the match will greatly determine the chance of reaching the final.
