Vietnam team: Thousand-pound strength from collective spirit

SMR.’S CAUTIONKIM helps the team become more stable

The Vietnamese team made a strong impression on fans when they defeated Myanmar 5-0 and won first place in Group B with an undefeated record (3 wins, 1 draw). In particular, naturalized rookie Nguyen Xuan Son had an excellent debut with 2 goals and 2 assists, creating great confidence in the attack that can penetrate all defenses of teams in Southeast Asia. .

Confidence and excitement are very good, bringing positive spiritual values. But it is not without reason that coach Kim Sang-sik constantly reminds his students that teamwork is the most important thing. Ahead of Vietnam is a new journey, a tough knock-out round with two semi-finals against Singapore – also considered two finals. The knockout match will force coach Kim Sang-sik to be cautious, first preserving the net and then calculating attack options. The tactical plan will have to be adjusted because the opponent will certainly dissect the Vietnamese team very carefully. Therefore, the certainty of the whole team will be given top priority.

It is likely that coach Kim Sang-sik returns to the 3-4-3 scheme when attacking, with a 5-4-1 variation when defending. Nguyen Xuan Son will play highest in attack. This is not surprising because the Brazilian-born striker performed so well in his team debut. Xuan Son’s abundant physical strength, strong pressing ability and confidence and calmness in the final steps are what make the difference. Crosses from Tien Anh – who played very well against Myanmar – and Van Vi from the sideline will be exploited effectively. Rhythm is what the Vietnamese team needs to maintain in these knockout matches.

PHA THE “CURSE” OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS

The biggest difficulty for the Vietnamese team will be the artificial turf of Jalan Besar Stadium, where coach Park Hang-seo and his team were helpless and accepted to be held to a 0-0 draw in the AFF Cup group stage 2 years ago. The characteristics of artificial turf (very different from natural turf) require coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to have a wise approach.

The most recent lesson in the heartbreaking 1-1 draw with the Philippines on the Rizal Memorial artificial turf (Manila) in the AFF Cup 2024 group stage is still fresh. The Vietnamese team must play very focused and determined from the beginning. It is likely that the trio of midfielders Tien Dung – Thanh Chung – Xuan Manh will be the steel shield in front of the goal; Midfield pair Hoang Duc – Ngoc Tan is responsible for keeping the pace in the middle of the field.

Mr. Kim is considering whether to use Doan Ngoc Tan or let him rest to avoid recurrence of injury and use Quang Hai from the beginning. Hai “con” is in very high form. The biggest question mark will be the position of wing striker, when Van Toan is injured and must soon leave the AFF Cup 2024. It is likely that Hai Long will once again be used in the right wing, thanks to his ability to hold the ball and be very knowledgeable. smart when exploiting space. On the opposite wing, Vi Hao is excited after successfully “opening his account” with 1 goal and 1 assist against Myanmar.

Jalan Besar Stadium once witnessed Nam Dinh Club draw 3-3 with Tampines Rovers in the Asian Cup C2 (in the match Van Vi started, and Xuan Son had a goal). That experience will be very useful for Xuan Son and his teammates. Of course, in the match on December 26, Son still plays an important role, but Mr. Kim wants not only him to shine. During a few practice sessions before the match, the coaching staff will come up with effective solutions to overcome adverse playing conditions on the artificial turf field, which cause a lot of energy loss.

Coach Kim Sang-sik chooses suitable personnel, aiming for a team that is strong in expertise and spirit. It can be seen that young player Vi Hao is being prioritized over seniors Tuan Hai or Xuan Manh, who are the number 1 choice for the right-sided center-back position, not captain Duy Manh. In attack, Tien Linh is having healthy cooperation and competition with Xuan Son. All will create stimulation for the team to always move forward strongly. Rookie Xuan Son plays an important role but is also just one piece of the puzzle. If they maintain the collective spirit and collective strength, the Vietnamese team will be able to break the ice and win the AFF Cup semi-final first leg, opening up opportunities in the return leg on December 29 at home.