On the evening of October 12, the Vietnamese team had a 1-1 draw with the underdog India team.
This result is regrettable as Quang Hai and his teammates created more scoring opportunities. Que Ngoc Hai missed a penalty; Van Toan and Quang Hai also missed other opportunities.
Defensively, the Vietnamese team is not playing safely. Although Mr. Kim Sang-sik is trying to build a stable and solid defense, the players have not found a good connection, support and cover for each other. Statistics show that the Vietnamese team has conceded goals in 13 consecutive matches in nearly a year.
As for coach Kim Sang-sik, he has spent 6 matches leading the team (including the practice match with Nam Dinh). The Korean strategist helped the team win 2 matches, lose 3 matches and draw 1 match. What the team has shown is not convincing, the team has not shown a clear playing style, with its own identity and efficiency as desired.
The use of the 4-3-3 formation received many expectations, after the Vietnamese team won Nam Dinh 3-2, as well as created many opportunities against India.
However, with Van Quyet retiring from international competition, the Vietnamese team lost a plan to build a playing style revolving around this veteran.
The mistakes in playing style and the incomplete framework… are not good signs for the Vietnamese team heading to the ASEAN Cup 2024. Meanwhile, other opponents in the region are still showing stability.
The Indonesian team has reached new heights with a squad of quality naturalized players. They have been unbeaten in their first three matches in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The more they play, the more they improve and their level is getting closer to the top teams in the continent.
Thailand - the reigning ASEAN Cup champions - aim to defend their title this year. They are still playing well under Masatada Ishii, with a recent 3-match winning streak. The "War Elephants" are aiming for the King's Cup title at home. This is the tournament for Ishii to strengthen his personnel and playing style, aiming for the ASEAN Cup.
The Malaysian team is currently under an interim coach but has been playing very well recently, with a series of 3 consecutive wins. Their consistency in playing style has been maintained, after assistant Pau Marti Vicente replaced Kim Pan-gon.
Furthermore, the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers are also approaching. Therefore, quickly defining the playing style, stabilizing personnel selection, and strengthening morale are urgent requirements for Mr. Kim Sang-sik and his colleagues at this time.
