Coach Kim Sang Sik is ready to surpass the 'shadow' of colleague Park Hang Seo

As Coach Kim Sang Sik approaches the unbeaten record of colleague Park Hang Seo, Vietnamese football faces an intriguing comparison between the foundational figure and the successor who is inheriting and developing the legacy.

Coach Kim Sang Sik's 15-match unbeaten streak is not merely an impressive number; it also reflects the notable stability ofthe Vietnamese national teamin the current period.

Just three matches away from Coach Park Hang Seo's milestone of 18 unbeaten matches, the Korean coach stands before a major opportunity to enter history.

With two opponents, Bangladesh and Malaysia in March, the chance to equal the record is almost within reach. However, when comparing the two eras, the first thing to recognize is the difference in context.

Coach Park Hang Seoarrived in Vietnam during a period when domestic football was craving a breakthrough. He successfully built from a nearly zero foundation, pioneering the "golden generation" with players like Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Tien Linh, Van Hau. Success at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, the 2018 AFF Cup, or the ticket to the third round of 2022 World Cup qualification were not just titles; they were turning points in mindset and belief.

Coach Kim Sang Siktook over a team that already had a fairly solid foundation and lessons from Coach Philippe Troussier. He focuses on stability, concentrating on upgrading and optimizing the capabilities of the football system.

This difference provides him with more favorable conditions, especially regarding personnel. The current team no longer relies on one generation but possesses considerable depth with a blend of experience and youth.

Vietnam's U23 squad, which recently won bronze at the 2026 Asian Championship, is clear evidence. Though not all are yet of the caliber to start for the national team, they at least create continuous competitive pressure.

Names like Van Khang, Trung Kien, or Nhat Minh are mentally ready to play for the national team, while pillars like Quang Hai, Xuan Son continue to maintain their leadership roles.

Another notable difference is personnel policy. Coach Kim Sang Sik boldly promotes youth, while also being "green-lighted" to selectively utilize Vietnamese overseas and naturalized player resources.

Those brought into the team must meet both professional standards and a desire to contribute, helping the Vietnamese national team improve quality without losing identity. Conversely, during Coach Park Hang Seo's era, the Vietnamese team was almost entirely domestic-based and heavily dependent on the synergy of a familiar group of players.

In terms of style, the two coaches also create distinct imprints. Coach Park Hang Seo is famous for a tight defensive, disciplined, and sharp counter-attacking style, which helped Vietnam achieve many feats against strong opponents. Meanwhile, Coach Kim Sang Sik aims for more balance, flexibility between attack and control, fitting modern trends.

Nevertheless, it must be fairly acknowledged that if the record is broken, it does not mean the later era is entirely superior. Coach Park Hang Seo laid the foundation, changed mindsets, and elevated Vietnamese football's status on the continental map. Without that phase, it would be difficult to have a team with such depth today for Coach Kim Sang Sik to inherit.

If Coach Kim Sang Sik surpasses the 18-match unbeaten milestone, it will be proof of Vietnamese football's continuous development. It is not just a personal achievement but also the result of an entire system operating effectively.

Looking ahead, the 2026 ASEAN Cup and long-term goals like the 2027 Asian Cup Finals or 2030 World Cup qualification will be the true measure for Coach Kim Sang Sik's era. The record may come this year, but more important is maintaining peak performance thereafter.