Coach Kim Sang Sik solves the lineup puzzle for the Vietnam national team

"Earning these three points has brightened our outlook significantly." Coach Kim Sang Sik's short statement following the 3-0 win against Indonesia is not just about leading Group A in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. The South Korean tactician is especially satisfied because he seems to have discovered the ideal starting core for Vietnam after several months of trial and error.

After the draw with Singapore at My Dinh Stadium, Coach Kim Sang Sik faced considerable doubt. Many opinions suggested that the Vietnam national team still lacked a clear identity, the midfield was unbalanced, and the personnel usage prevented the stars from fully showcasing their abilities.

Instead of stubbornly sticking with familiar choices, the South Korean strategist decided to make a major change in the starting lineup against Indonesia. And that decision yielded results beyond expectations.

Notably, Coach Kim Sang Sik did not alter his playing philosophy or build an entirely new tactical approach. He himself admitted that the preparation for Indonesia was nearly identical to that for the Singapore match. The difference lay in the players given the opportunity.

The inclusion of Thanh Long in the defensive midfield role made Vietnam's midfield much more balanced. The CAHN midfielder quietly recovered balls, intercepted, and provided cover, freeing Hoang Duc from defensive duties. As a result, Hoang Duc delivered one of his best performances under Coach Kim Sang Sik, with effective distribution and attacking initiation.

Hai Long continued to prove his worth with abundant energy, intelligent movement, and a crucial goal. Truong Tien Anh worked tirelessly on the flank, just as Coach Kim Sang Sik praised him after the match.

In the backline, Viet Anh and his teammates formed a solid defense against Indonesia's pressure. Meanwhile, Van Vi once again showed his knack for scoring by opening the score in the 6th minute, creating a turning point that allowed Vietnam to play much more freely.

Indonesia entered the match with a strong squad featuring numerous naturalized players under the guidance of Coach John Herdman. However, facing a well-organized, disciplined, and versatile Vietnam side, the home team was barely able to adapt.

This victory also sent an important message: the Vietnam national team no longer depends on any individual. Any player in good form has a chance to be in the starting lineup. This healthy competition is creating a vibrant collective where every player believes they can become a decisive factor if given trust.

This is also a very positive signal for Vietnamese football. As players developed from the V-League continuously prove their ability at the national team level, the value of the domestic league is affirmed. Young players will have more motivation to strive, and clubs will invest more boldly in training, since the door to the national team is always open for those who deserve it.

The road ahead still holds many challenges, but after the convincing performance against Indonesia, Coach Kim Sang Sik has every reason to believe he has found the foundation for the Vietnam national team, both now and in the future.

With the core now taking shape, completing the team to aim for the 2026 ASEAN Cup championship and even bigger goals will become more achievable than ever.