Factor X" named Kim Sang-sik
It must be admitted that the Vietnamese team did not play well against Thailand in the first half of the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final at Rajamangala Stadium. Having too little time to prepare for this match is one reason why the team was passive in the face of attacks from the home team. Besides, as coach Kim Sang-sik commented, many players could not avoid feeling tense when entering the final. This is also understandable, because although they have participated in the championship match for the 2nd consecutive time, in fact, nearly half of the Vietnamese force are newcomers participating in the Southeast Asian tournament for the first time.
From an objective perspective, the Thai team returned to their ego. Instead of playing counter-attacking defense like against Singapore, Sarach Yooyen and his teammates decided to play aggressively, pushing the squad high into the Vietnamese team's half. Short combinations, passing and active movement in positions on the field helped Thailand create waves.
Statistics show that at least in the first half, Yotsakorn Burapha or Teerasak Poeiphimai had 2 chances to penetrate goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik's net. But in the end, the Thais could not beat the Vietnamese goalkeeper and the crossbar saved luck.
The Golden Star Warriors" entered the dressing room in the anxiety of many fans. But like previous matches, every time Vietnam makes fans worried, it is when the way coach Kim Sang-sik uses people and professional improvisation promotes its value. At ASEAN Cup 2026, the Korean coach is the most unpredictable factor in the Vietnamese team.
After the first 2 matches keeping the same squad, the strategist's "chameleon changing color" began to emerge. He surprised with a starting lineup changing up to 4 key positions in the 3-0 victory over Indonesia. He also surprised Malaysia when he fielded the central midfielder duo that was previously controversial, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc in the second leg. But the ending point after those unpredictable changes is a positive change for the Vietnamese team, both in terms of playing style and results.
Against Thailand in the second half, Mr. Kim also transformed unpredictably like that...
Classy substitution
In the dressing room, coach Kim Sang-sik and his colleagues analyzed the loopholes in Thailand's game. The Korean coach realized the problem came from right-back Waris Choolthong's position. This player often pushes up to participate in deploying the ball, inadvertently revealing space behind him. The cover for him is Sarach Yooyen, who is not strong in defense.
The Vietnamese team decided to substitute players. Nguyen Xuan Son - the striker who scored a double against Malaysia was substituted right from the 60th minute to give way to Hai Long, in a context where everyone thought that Dinh Bac was the one who had to leave the game after a lackluster performance in the first half. He also substituted Thanh Long - a defensive midfielder to bring Quang Hai onto the field. Of course, fans cannot help but wonder if that improvisation could cost Vietnam a price for lacking balance between attack and defense.
But in the end, after only 9 minutes on the field, Quang Hai and Hai Long both put their names on the scoreboard. Remember, the 2 goals that Vietnam scored both came after counter-attacks. The state-changing phases, which are their forte, have been well promoted by the players.
Before scoring against Thailand, Hai Long only scored 1 goal against Indonesia. Before scoring the super product that sealed the result for Vietnam, Quang Hai had to receive a "storm" of criticism that he was out of time. Before assisting Quang Hai, Hoang Hen was also ridiculed by a group of people. Or with Dinh Bac, before the impressive backheel for Hai Long to open the score, he also missed 2 opportunities in the first half. But Mr. Kim Sang-sik still placed his trust in them. Then, that steadfastness and skillful substitution helped Vietnam win 2-0 right on the opponent's field.
Looking back at the journey at ASEAN Cup 2026, the stars of the match in the Vietnamese national team squad mostly started from the bench. Xuan Son scored against Indonesia, Malaysia or indirectly created a goal against Cambodia... after coming on as a substitute. Hai Long, Quang Hai also opened a turning point from the supporting roles. That is enough to see how well the match reading is from Mr. Kim Sang-sik and his assistants.
