As Vietnam embarks on a new era under head coach Kim Sang-Sik, the pressure is on the South Korean tactician to deliver silverware in his first major assignment – the 2024 ASEAN Championship. With the Golden Star Warriors through to a mouthwatering semifinal clash against hosts Singapore, Kim has boldly proclaimed his ambitious target: to lead Vietnam all the way and clinch the coveted regional crown.
Stepping Out of Park’s Shadow
Filling the void left by Park Hang-Seo was never going to be a straightforward task for any successor. The legendary Park oversaw Vietnam’s golden generation, guiding them to unprecedented heights including an AFF Suzuki Cup triumph in 2018. Even World Cup-winning coach Philippe Troussier struggled to emerge from Park’s shadow, lasting barely a year in the hot seat.
But in Kim Sang-Sik, Vietnam may have found the ideal candidate to carry Park’s legacy forward. As a former South Korea international with World Cup, Olympic, and Asian Cup experience, Kim brings plenty of pedigree. His first foray into management with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors also proved promising.
Semifinal Showdown in Singapore
Now, Kim faces his first acid test with Vietnam in the ASEAN Championship knockout rounds. A semifinal date with resolute hosts Singapore awaits, but the 53-year-old coach is determined to take Vietnam back to the promised land.
“My biggest goal at the moment is to achieve victory in the semifinal against Singapore. After that, if we look at the bigger picture, I want to write new history and lift the trophy as champions in 2024.”
Kim Sang-Sik
The two-legged tie kicks off at Singapore’s Jalan Besar Stadium, where Vietnam must contend with the artificial pitch and a partisan home crowd. But midfield maestro Nguyễn Hoàng Đức believes Vietnam have pinpointed the Lions’ vulnerabilities.
“We recognise Singapore are very strong with long balls and in midfield. But sometimes they are capable of making mistakes, especially in their own half. We must take these opportunities.”
Nguyễn Hoàng Đức
Rafaelson Ready for Starring Role
Vietnam’s prospects have been significantly boosted by the explosive emergence of Brazilian-born striker Nguyễn Xuân Son, formerly known as Rafaelson. The newly-naturalized marksman announced his arrival in style, plundering 2 goals and 2 assists on his debut to inspire a 5-0 demolition of Myanmar.
An in-form Rafaelson will be pivotal to Vietnam’s title aspirations, and Kim has full faith his star man will rise to the occasion despite the pressure and scrutiny.
“Xuân Son’s debut for Vietnam was beyond my expectations. The pressure will inevitably be there but he’s starting to enjoy it. This is only the start – as long as we fight as one team, I think we’ll have good results.”
Kim Sang-Sik on Rafaelson
A New Chapter for Vietnamese Football
As Kim Sang-Sik aims to mastermind Vietnam’s passage to the ASEAN Championship final and ultimately secure the prized trophy, it promises to be a captivating journey for the Golden Star Warriors and their fervent supporters.
Should Kim succeed in his lofty mission, it would signal a seamless transition from the Park Hang-Seo years and herald an exciting new dawn for Vietnamese football. The stakes could hardly be higher as Vietnam stand on the cusp of regional glory once more.
