Speaking after the final match of the group stage, coach Kim Sang-sik admitted that U23 Saudi Arabia is a very difficult opponent, especially when playing at home.
First of all, I must say that this is a very difficult match against the host U23 Saudi Arabia. I want to thank the players for trying their best to win.
I also respect and thank the fans who came to the stadium to cheer, as well as the fans in my hometown who are watching on television," the Korean coach shared.
With this victory, U23 Vietnam closed the group stage with a perfect record, winning all 9 points and ranking first in the group. Assessing the performance of his students, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "The players have contributed their best, the performance of the whole team is extremely excellent. We will follow the matches in Group B to analyze, evaluate the opponent and prepare well for the quarter-finals.
In the match against U23 Saudi Arabia, U23 Vietnam chose a defensive counter-attacking style of play instead of focusing on attacking like the previous two matches. Explaining this adjustment, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "After 2 matches played, our fitness is no longer in the best condition.
Some players were also injured, so I had to adjust tactics, especially in attack. We attacked less, but the preparation for this match was still very good and the results were also positive.
The 48-year-old coach also emphasized the role of fans in the team's journey. “After SEA Games 33, we continued to win 3 more victories in Saudi Arabia.
The affection and support of the fans is a great source of motivation for the whole team to try and aim for the goal of playing really well in the quarterfinals," coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed.
Winning the top spot in the group helps U23 Vietnam have an additional psychological advantage before the knockout round, where coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are determined to continue maintaining their form and competitive identity as shown from the beginning of the tournament.
