The behind-the-scenes stories, from friendship, conflicts to relationships lasting many years, make the encounter between Mr. Kim and Mr. Shin even more special.
From close teammates to arch-rivals
Kim Sang-sik and Shin Tae-yong worked side by side during the golden period of Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma Club, a force in the K-League from 1999 to 2004. As a senior, Shin was the leader. team, while Kim, 6 years younger, plays a potential junior role in the defense. Their combination helped Seongnam win many major titles at domestic and continental tournaments.
However, in 2009, when Shin was appointed head coach of Seongnam, this relationship began to crumble. Shin Tae-yong tried to push Kim Sang-sik to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, a controversial decision. Kim’s defiant statement when leaving his old team: “I will never fall when facing Seongnam,” shows the hurt he had to endure.
Right in that season, defender Kim helped Jeonbuk defeat Coach Shin’s team in the K.League final with a total score of 3-1, bringing home the first championship in Jeonbuk history. This is not only a title victory, but also Kim’s convincing response to his now-turned-stranger predecessor.
Before the Vietnam – Indonesia match, what points should coach Kim Sang-sik be wary of?
Coach Kim Sang-sik needs to prove more in the Vietnamese team
Southeast Asian football and a new journey
Many years later, the relationship between Shin and Kim brought them to Southeast Asia, where football has many contrasting colors. Shin Tae-yong took over as head coach of Indonesia in 2020 and quickly made his mark by turning this team into a strong, disciplined and effective team. With modern tactical thinking and perseverance in the strategy of attracting multi-racial talent, Kim has helped Indonesia become the strongest team in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Kim Sang-sik has only taken over the Vietnamese team for more than 6 months. Although he inherits an experienced team from his predecessor Park Hang-seo, he still faces a big challenge in building a new playing style and meeting the expectations of team revival. This will be the first time that Kim and Shin will face each other on the coaching bench, making the match on December 15 not only professionally decisive but also an emotional reunion between the two.
The advantages and challenges of Shin Tae-yong
With 4 years of experience with Indonesian football, Shin Tae-yong possesses an outstanding advantage in experience. He has built a solid foundation for the team, from shaping the playing style to managing players. Under Shin, Indonesia stands out with its fast transition style of play, strong pressing ability and pragmatism in its approach to the game.
In addition, Shin’s position in Indonesia is also very stable, helping him not to be under too much pressure on his achievements. Meanwhile, Kim Sang-sik, despite possessing a squad rich in potential, is still in the testing phase and looking for stability. Great expectations from Vietnamese fans are a lot of pressure for this coach.
Coach Shin Tae-yong has affirmed his ability
PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG
What opportunities are there for Kim Sang-sik and the Vietnamese team?
Despite many disadvantages, Kim Sang-sik still has important cards in hand. First, Indonesia will be missing many important factors, including naturalized players and young star Marselino Ferdinan due to the red card. This causes the strength of the island team to be significantly reduced.
Besides, Vietnam does not have to move too much, helping players maintain better physical strength compared to Indonesia. If he takes advantage of this advantage, Kim Sang-sik can completely deploy a suitable strategy to win.
A meaningful match
The match between Vietnam and Indonesia is not only a competition between the two strongest teams in the region, but also a milestone in the relationship between Shin Tae-yong and Kim Sang-sik. This is an opportunity for Shin to assert his position in Southeast Asia, and at the same time an opportunity for Kim to demonstrate his ability and maturity as a head coach.
Vietnam will win 2-1 (*author predicts) thanks to field advantage and a more stable squad. However, what is more important is that the performance on the field will help fans see more clearly the talent and tactics of both coaches. This encounter not only determines rankings, but is also a test to measure the strategic skills between two people who were once teammates, but have now become great opponents.
The match on December 15, therefore, promises not only to be a football party but also a reenactment of the story of “fraternity” filled with emotion, creating more attraction for Southeast Asian football.
