Vietnam team is steadfast before AFF Cup 2024

Trust from Korea

The Vietnamese team ended their friendly match series in Korea with a 3-1 victory over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on December 1. Although Jeonbuk had to divide their forces in the relegation play-off, leading to not having the strongest force (only fielding the B or C team), the victory over the former Korean and Asian champions also gave coach Kim Sang-sik and his team confidence.

Vietnam team (right) won all 3 friendly matches in Korea

Trust is also the most valuable thing for the Vietnamese team at this time. Quang Hai and his teammates are no longer at their peak like they were under coach Park Hang-seo. The crisis that has lasted from 2023 until now has forced the Vietnamese team to transfer generations and playing mindset. In difficult times, trust needs to be built little by little. The victories that seemed so normal before are now a great encouragement for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to be more steadfast.

However, the good news comes not only from the victory but also from the way of winning. Throughout the 3 matches, Mr. Kim tested almost all the troops he brought to Korea. Many tactical diagrams were applied such as 3-4-3, 3-5-2, 4-3-3, many new factors such as Ngoc Tan, Ngoc Quang, Van Truong, Tien Anh were given opportunities. Veterans and rookies were also mixed and kneaded in a unified tactical philosophy to create fierce competition in each position.

The shape of the national team's playing style has also appeared, which is a style of play that still tends to actively hold the ball and impose the playing style like the time of coach Philippe Troussier, but is not rigid in its operation, but can play short or long depending on the time and context of the match, attack diversely on the flanks and in the middle, with many coordinated pieces based on the ability and ability to connect in the lines.

During his 9 days in Korea, Mr. Kim applied high-intensity physical exercises to "force" his students into a framework. The Vietnamese team was required to run a lot, compete fiercely, and coordinate more quickly. The Korean coach required the players to play with a warrior spirit, but still have to stay alert. The defense has improved when only conceding 1 goal in 3 friendly matches, in which in the matches against Jeonbuk or Daegu, the Vietnamese team stood firm under pressure, covered and competed very well to protect the goal. The defense line is where coach Kim Sang-sik pays special attention, when the Vietnamese team conceded 11 goals in 5 friendly matches before going to Korea. Mr. Kim prioritizes defenders with international experience and this choice is bringing "sweet fruit" when the defenders adapt well to the new requirements.

The attack also scored effectively thanks to their good passing and passing, with Quang Hai (2 goals), Tien Linh, Tuan Hai, Hai Long, Thanh Binh (1 goal) all scoring. However, the minus point was the lack of finishing ability, causing the Vietnamese team to miss many opportunities.

Mr. Kim prepares to combine troops

The Vietnamese team will practice today (December 2) and tomorrow before returning to Vietnam to continue preparing for the AFF Cup 2024. After 3 friendly matches, the coaching staff will draw lessons from experience and shortcomings in playing style to build appropriate tactics and personnel.

The training trip to Korea has brought Mr. Kim many things, from an overview of the physical strength, tactical thinking, adaptability to the aspirations of each player (both old and new). It is expected that Coach Kim Sang-sik will eliminate 8-9 players to finalize the squad for the AFF Cup 2024. The players of "group 1", the official squad, have also been revealed.

The way the players are used in the last 3 friendly matches shows that experienced players will be trusted in key positions such as goalkeeper, center back, central midfielder, and striker. Meanwhile, in the defender and winger positions, new players will have a chance to perform. In addition, coach Kim Sang-sik has a habit of rotating the squad to adjust the playing style and tactics flexibly according to the opponent's strength. Thanks to that, the Vietnamese team will be more diverse and unpredictable, while at the same time, opportunities will open up for more players.

After Nam Dinh FC completes the AFC Champions League 2 group stage on December 4, Coach Kim will call up more players from the Southern team, most likely including Van Toan, Van Vi and naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

The Vietnamese team's journey to the AFF Cup 2024 will begin with a trip to Laos on December 9.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-vung-vang-truoc-aff-cup-2024-185241201214848832.htm