"If we do well according to the plan, we can win."
Could a new history of Southeast Asian soccer be born? Coach Kim Sang-sik has his sights set on winning both the Southeast Asian Football Championship (Mitsubishi Cup) and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-23 Championship.
The Vietnam U-23 national team, led by Coach Kim Sang-sik, will face Indonesia in the final of the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, at 10 p.m. (Korea time) on the 29th.
Vietnam is seeking to defend its title for the third consecutive time. The country has won in 2022 and 2023, making it the most successful team in the tournament's history, and this time, under Coach Kim Sang-sik's leadership, they have easily reached the finals. They have won three consecutive matches against Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Vietnam remains undefeated over 11 matches in the Southeast Asian stage.
High praise is also coming from local sources. Vietnam's 'Dantri' noted, "Coach Kim Sang-sik is the leader who led the team to victory with 7 wins and 1 draw in last year's AFF Cup." Commentator Quang Huy praised, "Coach Kim Sang-sik knows how to utilize his players. He knows who is strong and weak. The example of substituting three players in the second half against the Philippines is a clear illustration. This decision was very similar to that of former coach Park Hang-seo."
Indeed, Coach Kim Sang-sik is bringing another golden era of soccer to Vietnam. The national team experienced ups and downs after the departure of the 'Rice Prince' Coach Park Hang-seo in 2023 due to continued struggles under the ambitiously appointed coach Philippe Troussier.
But Coach Kim Sang-sik is different. He took the helm of Vietnam in May last year and rose to superstardom by winning the 2024 Mitsubishi Cup in January. At that time, Vietnam passed the group stage in first place and faced rival Thailand in the finals, winning 5-3 on aggregate over two legs. This was Vietnam's third overall championship.
Coach Kim Sang-sik, who has restored Vietnam as the strongest team in Southeast Asia, is now aiming for the throne with the U-23 national team. If he defeats Indonesia to become the champion, he will be the first coach to have won both the Mitsubishi Cup and the AFF U-23 Championship.
This achievement is a significant record that former coaches Shin Tae-yong, who led Indonesia, and Park Hang-seo, Vietnam's previous coach, could not achieve. Shin Tae-yong, a national hero in Indonesia, had the best result of finishing as runners-up in both the Mitsubishi Cup and the AFF U-23 Championship.
Now, Coach Kim Sang-sik stands just one step away from victory. At an official press conference held a day before the match, he expressed confidence, saying, "It’s a difficult match, and it's still early to talk about the results. However, we prepared as carefully as possible. If the players perform as planned, Vietnam will win."
Unlike Vietnam, Indonesia battled Thailand in a penalty shootout in the semifinals. Vietnam has an advantage in terms of stamina. Nevertheless, Coach Kim Sang-sik remained cautious, stating, "The opposing team won’t change. They played 120 minutes against Thailand, and although they have many young players, they should have had enough time to recover over the three days."
Additionally, he encouraged his players, saying, "We have played one game less than the opponents, which is a small advantage. However, the final is more tense, and the pressure is greater. Therefore, determination is crucial. Our team must overcome this challenge."
Midfielder Victor Ledo, who attended the press conference, expressed confidence in their victory. He said, "We have prepared well. We will take it step by step, preparing for the final match and winning to bring the trophy home to Vietnam."
[Photo] Vietnam Football Association.
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