Vietnam Team's Strategy: A Masterstroke Beyond All Expectations of Coach Kim Sang Sik

On the scoreboard, Van Vi, Hai Long, and Xuan Son were listed as the goal scorers securing Vietnam's 3-0 win against Indonesia, yet the true "goal" was orchestrated by Coach Kim Sang Sik.

When Coach Kim Sang Sik admitted his mistake in fielding Quang Hai and Hoang Duc as central midfielders against Singapore, experts only expected him to replace at least one of them for the match against Indonesia.

But no one anticipated the South Korean tactician would surprise everyone with an even more brilliant move—he not only started Le Pham Thanh Long in place of Quang Hai in midfield but also benched Van Hau, Xuan Son, and Hoang Hen, giving Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Hai Long, and Tai Loc a chance in the starting lineup.

Did Indonesia plan to trap Van Hau into committing fouls, or was Van Hau a cause for concern due to his risky plays? Well, Coach Kim benched Van Hau and started Viet Anh instead.

Did Indonesia intend to closely mark Xuan Son and Hoang Hen? Okay, Coach Kim kept both on the bench. Thus, the home team was caught off guard.

Did Indonesia aim to disrupt Vietnam's midfield? Impossible, because Coach Kim had inserted defensive specialist Le Pham Thanh Long into the battle.

Were Indonesia keeping an eye on Dinh Bac and Tai Loc? Oh, they were just decoys—Van Vi and Hai Long were the ones who delivered the finishing blows. How could the home team foresee this "magic" from Coach Kim?

By the time Indonesia was reeling, desperate, and forced to push forward in search of a comeback in the second half, Xuan Son entered the scene. At that point, the Indonesians had no mental energy left to stick to Xuan Son.

Trailing by two goals with time running out, they had to push forward, leaving vast spaces behind that Xuan Son exploited. 3-0 for Vietnam. The door to the ASEAN Cup semifinals swung wide open for the "Golden Star Warriors," while the host team faced a decisive battle against Singapore in the final group stage match to fight for the remaining ticket.

Coach Kim's adjustments yielded immediate results—Vietnam not only defended solidly but also delivered a stunning early blow with goals from Van Vi and Hai Long in the first 15 minutes.

Hai Long passed to Hoang Duc, who then threaded a through ball for Van Vi to open the scoring. Next, Vietnam countered quickly, and Le Pham Thanh Long spread the ball to the left flank for Hai Long to break through and score.

In both situations, the Indonesian goalkeeper was deceived as he tried to read Van Vi and Hai Long, who stamped their names on the scoreboard with decisive shots into the near post.

Hai Long doubled the lead and indirectly assisted the opening goal. Le Pham Thanh Long excelled in midfield and set up Hai Long for his strike.

Bui Hoang Viet Anh defended with solidity and passion. Tai Loc drew Indonesian defenders to create space for his teammates to shine. Xuan Son replaced Tai Loc and delivered the "killing blow" with the final goal to seal the 3-0 victory for Vietnam. All left their mark.

But the decisive "goal" came from… Coach Kim Sang Sik, who orchestrated this impressive victory with his astute personnel adjustments.

Too clever and composed. Who said Coach Kim had "run out of tricks"? He still has many "cards up his sleeve," but since they are tricks, how could opponents, the media, experts, and fans easily see them coming?

That's what we call "magic." It's full of mystery, unpredictability, yet incredibly "effective." And with the "magic" of Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam continues its dream of defending the ASEAN Cup title. Hats off to Coach Kim.