Coach Kim Sang-sik: ‘The Vietnamese team will press and defeat Indonesia’

Coach Kim Sang-sik’s determination

After a 4-1 victory over Laos, the Vietnamese team entered the second match at AFF Cup 2024 with a match against Indonesia. The two teams will face off at 8:00 p.m. on December 15 at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho province). To take first place in this round, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team need to win against Indonesia.

Coach Kim Sang-sik confidently shared: “Tomorrow’s match is very important for the Vietnamese team. The whole team has prepared very well for the competition with Indonesia, with the process lasting weeks and months. We I will aim for victory.”

The advantage for the Vietnamese team before this match lies in the 5-day break after the match against Laos. While Quang Hai and his teammates were resting, Indonesia had to strain themselves in the encounter with Laos, as well as wasting time traveling between countries to play their second away match in just 5 days. The island team is also missing Marselino Ferdinan due to suspension, while the Vietnamese team has the strongest force.

Responding to the opinion that Indonesia is at a disadvantage because of Mr. Shin Tae-yong’s playing schedule, coach Kim Sang-sik expressed:

“The Indonesian team competed against Laos on December 12, then went to Vietnam on December 13. The Indonesian players’ physical strength is not at the best level, but we are playing in the same tournament, so the match schedule brings common difficulties to the teams, as does the Vietnamese team.

Right after the match against Indonesia on December 15, we had to leave for the Philippines to prepare for the match with the host on December 18. Therefore, I will have a specific rotation plan.”

Find a way to stop Pratama Arhan

Coach Kim Sang-sik also evaluated Indonesia’s strength after watching this opponent’s 3-3 draw with Laos. “I realize that Indonesia has many young players so they should stick together in the midfield. However, the Vietnamese team is preparing well and hopes to play well. Indonesia is quite tired, their physical strength is not guaranteed. We will make the most of it. used to pressure Indonesia and win.

Many people think the Vietnamese team will win big. I don’t deny this thought or opinion, but honestly, I don’t care if the score is 1, 2 or 3 goals. I know how difficult it is to score in the 2024 AFF Cup. Although Indonesia is tired after a long journey, the participating teams are all very strong. Indonesia has many young players with a desire to prove. We just prepare the best to aim for victory.”

Talking about how to prevent Indonesia’s long throw-in strategy (3 of the 4 goals Indonesia scored since the beginning of the tournament came from throw-ins), coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed: “We have watched Indonesia’s matches. Pratama Arhan has With his powerful throw-in ability, he is a powerful card for Indonesia. But, we are prepared to counter these throw-ins to get 3 points against Indonesia.”

Finally, the strategist of the Vietnamese team affirmed that he always values ​​Mr. Shin Tae-yong as a senior, but entering tomorrow’s match, coach Kim Sang-sik and his students will do their best.

“I have a close relationship with Mr. Shin Tae-yong. When we were players, Mr. Shin and I used to wear the same shirt. We also spent time in the same room. I always consider Mr. Shin a senior. I respect him very much. I look forward to tomorrow’s match, when we both coach the national team and will face each other. I will put aside all outside thoughts to focus on the match,” coach Kim Sang-sik concluded.