ASEAN Cup 2026: Coach Kim Sang Sik affirms the goal of defeating Indonesia

A VNA correspondent in Bogor quoted the South Korean strategist speaking at the pre-match press conference held on the evening of August 3, emphasizing that the Vietnamese team did not come to Indonesia to seek a draw. Coach Kim Sang Sik asserted: "We are not here to get one point, but to take all three points."

The 48-year-old manager did not hide his regret after the 0-0 draw with Singapore, where Vietnam created many chances but failed to convert them into goals. He shared: "If we had beaten Singapore, preparing for the away trip to Indonesia would have been much easier. The draw has put us under pressure. However, the players have prepared very well and all want to relieve that regret with a good performance against Indonesia." According to Coach Kim Sang Sik, the weather conditions in Indonesia are quite similar to those in Vietnam, so they do not significantly affect the team's preparation. Although it is his first time coaching in this city, he believes his players will quickly adapt.

Assessing the opponent, Coach Kim Sang Sik showed great respect for Indonesia, a team that has won all matches after two rounds and is considered one of the top contenders for the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

Through video analysis, the Vietnamese coaching staff has paid special attention to striker Mitchell Baker—a forward nearly 2 meters tall who has scored four goals in just the first two matches. Coach Kim Sang Sik analyzed: "Mitchell Baker uses his physique very well in aerial duels. Besides, Thom Haye delivers decisive passes. Indonesia also causes many difficulties with their pressing and quick transitions."

Nevertheless, he still places his trust in the stable defensive system of the Vietnamese team. Coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "We are completely at ease knowing we always have an excellent goalkeeper like Patrik Le Giang behind us. The coaching staff has thoroughly analyzed Indonesia's strengths to build a suitable tactical plan. Tomorrow, the Vietnamese team will have new solutions, and I am very much looking forward to the players' performance."

In fact, the defense has been the biggest pillar of the Vietnamese team, having not conceded any goals after two matches. However, the failure to score against Singapore has put pressure on the attack for this away trip. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang affirmed that wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey is always the greatest pride of his career, and he will enter the match with the highest concentration.

Patrik Le Giang said: "For me, every match in the national team jersey is a big match. Representing the country is the highest honor for a player." The Vietnam goalkeeper also assessed Indonesia as a very strong opponent with many quality players, but believes the most important thing is to leverage collective strength. Patrik Le Giang affirmed: "We are not too focused on any individual opponent but aim to face Indonesia with the strength of the whole team."

The clash at Pakansari Stadium on the evening of August 3 is considered an "early final" of Group A. Indonesia has six points after two consecutive wins, while Vietnam has only four points from one win and one draw. If they win, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team will take a big advantage in the race for the semifinals. Conversely, an unfavorable result will make the path to the next round extremely narrow.

Therefore, despite acknowledging the pressure after the slip-up against Singapore, the Vietnamese team enters the match with the highest determination. As Coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed, the team's goal now is nothing other than victory right on Indonesian soil.