ASEAN Cup 2026: Coach Kim Sang Sik is the pillar of the Vietnam national team

The Vietnam team begins its ASEAN Cup 2026 title defense with the mindset of the current champion, yet the source of supporters' trust goes beyond impressive numbers or a deep roster. Coach Kim Sang Sik is still proving his adaptability in using players, acute match analysis, and contemporary tactical approach.

The 4-0 victory over Myanmar at Thai Nguyen Stadium on July 18 is a clear testament to Coach Kim Sang Sik's coaching imprint. When the match needed more surprises, the 50-year-old manager brought in Hai Long, Van Vi, Thanh Long, and Dinh Bac from the bench.

It didn't take long for Dinh Bac to repay his coach's trust with the goal that sealed the 4-0 victory. That was not merely a successful substitution, but also demonstrated Coach Kim Sang Sik's ability to read the game and choose the right players. If Van Vi and Hai Long had been more accurate, the later substitutes might also have found the net.

This is not the first time he has created a turning point through personnel adjustments. In many recent tournaments, from the Vietnam U22/U23 team to the national team, the Korean strategist's substitutions have all brought positive results.

The biggest strength of the Vietnam national team at the moment is its squad depth. Unlike the previous period when the team relied heavily on a few stars, Coach Kim Sang Sik now has many quality options in every line.

Up front, the naturalized striker trio of Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, and Tai Loc bring a completely different strength with their physicality, technique, and diverse finishing abilities. Their presence gives the Vietnam team more ways to approach the opponent's goal, from short passes, central combinations, to aerial balls or fast counterattacks.

Moreover, Dinh Bac and Hai Long are both in high form, capable of creating breakthroughs with decisive dribbling, finishing well with both feet, and especially having a knack for scoring. Whenever given the opportunity, both know how to make their mark. Coach Kim Sang Sik also has Gia Hung and Viet Cuong ready to compete for positions, helping to adjust the situation.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has repeatedly emphasized that the team does not build its playing style around a single star. Each player has a role at different times, and the coaching staff will choose the most suitable personnel combination for each opponent.

That philosophy is helping the Vietnam team maintain stability. And certainly, no star can be sure of playing in every match of the upcoming ASEAN Cup under the Korean coach's calculations. That forces everyone to strive to be ready to wear the national team jersey and compete.

Statistics are also on the side of Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad. Since September 2024, the Vietnam team has been unbeaten in 18 matches, winning 16 and drawing 2, while also winning all friendlies and Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

The team maintains a 22-match unbeaten run in the ASEAN Cup group stage since 2014, with 17 wins and 5 draws. These numbers reflect the stability, composure, and continuity of a squad that is in its prime.

Of course, the title defense journey will not be easy as Indonesia and Thailand are always formidable, and Singapore is always a tough opponent. However, with a deep squad, stable form, the confidence of champions, and the tactical acumen of Coach Kim Sang Sik, the Vietnam team has every right to aim for the highest goal.

The ASEAN Cup 2026 is not only an opportunity to defend the championship trophy, but also a chance for Vietnamese football to assert its position in Southeast Asia. And if Coach Kim Sang Sik's versatile substitution decisions, flexible adaptability, and sharp tactical thinking continue to be effective, the "Golden Star Warriors" can absolutely bring the championship trophy home for the fourth time.