Coach Kim Sang-sik: ‘The Vietnamese team has a plan for the final’

Coach Kim Sang-sik is confident

The Vietnamese team will face Myanmar in the final match of Group B AFF Cup 2024, taking place at 8:00 p.m. on December 21. After 3 matches, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team have 7 points, ranking first in the table. Myanmar has 4 points, ranked third and still has a chance to continue.

To secure tickets to the semi-finals, the Vietnamese team needs to win or draw against Myanmar, or if they lose, the difference is no more than 1 goal. As for Myanmar, this team must win against the Vietnamese team to maintain hope of passing the group stage.

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared: “Tomorrow the final match in the group stage will take place to determine whether we win the group or not. Our team is very confident in preparation. The travel schedule is tiring.” Tired, but the whole team has actively prepared and hopes to get good results.”

Throughout the history of the AFF Cup, the Vietnamese team has never lost to Myanmar. In the last 3 matches, Vietnam won 2, drew 1, scored 5 goals and conceded only once.

The Vietnamese team also received additional “firepower” Nguyen Xuan Son. After obtaining citizenship, the striker born in 1997 was licensed by the World Football Federation (FIFA) to play for the national team from December 20. He can make his debut in the match against Myanmar.

“We are very lucky to have Xuan Son in the squad. Mai is his first match at the Vietnamese team level. Xuan Son has good conditions in terms of body shape, physical strength and technique. Mai is the beginning Xuan Son’s new team and hope he will perform well for those who love the team,” coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized.

The Korean strategist expects Xuan Son and Tien Linh to join forces to create an effective attack for the Vietnamese team.

“I hope Xuan Son and Tien Linh will coordinate well. Hopefully they will both bring good results together in attack,” Mr. Kim further evaluated.

Mr. Kim was thinking about the final match

“Speaking of the match against the Philippines, we used new players like Thanh Binh and Viet Anh. Of course, the effect was not as expected, but when I put their names on the list, I also had expectations and goals. “Even though we didn’t win, the whole team won the match and got a draw. But the positive thing is that I understand my players better,” coach Kim Sang-sik also confided about the 1-1 draw. 1 at the Philippines Stadium 2 days ago.

If they reach the semi-finals with first place, the Vietnamese team will face the second team in Group A, which is currently being contested between Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia.

“I watch the Group A matches, but right now I’m only focused on tomorrow. In Group A, Singapore and Malaysia are both likely to meet Vietnam. However, my plan is to look forward to tomorrow’s match. In the long run For a long time, I have a plan for the final. What I’m concerned about now is the players’ fitness and preparation for tomorrow’s match. I hope all team members will support you player with the best form.

I think Southeast Asian football has a big change. I tried to analyze as carefully as possible. It doesn’t matter which team we meet, but what matters is that Vietnamese players are always confident against every opponent. Some of my players are preparing for the match against Malaysia. However, the most important thing is to look forward to tomorrow’s match against Myanmar,” coach Kim Sang-sik assessed.

Finally, Mr. Kim concluded: “At the beginning of the first half in the match against the Philippines, we played actively. After Quang Hai’s small injury, there were some bad moments. But there is one thing that is a Individuals cannot affect the entire team, although Xuan Son’s appearance brought positive features. It is true that in the Philippines match, we had many changes in the starting lineup The Vietnamese team has learned a lesson about the fighting spirit of its players The match against Myanmar is aimed at victory.”