Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'Vietnam national team won but still has many things to fix'

Vietnam won 2-0 away in Kuala Lumpur in the first leg of the semi-final, yet coach Kim Sang Sik remains less than pleased. The Korean manager stressed that the squad has numerous points to correct ahead of the return leg at My Dinh on August 19.

Coach Kim Sang Sik could not hide his satisfaction as the Vietnam team left Kuala Lumpur with a two-goal advantage. However, from the perspective of a head coach, he believes that the 2-0 scoreline does not mean the team delivered a perfect performance.

"We had a tough away match, but I am very happy that the whole team won 2-0. This is the result of the players giving their all. I want to congratulate the entire squad. There were also many fans at the stadium cheering today, and I thank them as well," Coach Kim Sang Sik shared after the match.

The two goals give Vietnam a significant advantage ahead of the return leg, but Coach Kim Sang Sik acknowledged that his players still faced many difficulties in executing their gameplay.

"Although we won 2-0, overall it was a difficult match. We also encountered some challenges in implementing our tactics. We will analyze carefully to prepare for the next game," Mr. Kim said.

The South Korean coach also admitted that the moment Xuan Son headed the ball into the net at the end of the first half gave him a special feeling.

"From a coach's standpoint, I am not satisfied with that. In the final minutes of the first half when Xuan Son headed the ball into the net, although I did not show it on my face, I felt very happy inside," Coach Kim Sang Sik stated.

Regarding the refereeing, the Vietnam head coach did not react harshly. He only expressed some regret that the match was frequently interrupted and VAR checks took a long time, affecting the rhythm of the game.

"I don't have any major complaints about the referee's decisions, but they often interrupted the match with their calls and took time for VAR checks, so I feel a bit sorry about that," Mr. Kim shared.

Coach Kim Sang Sik also praised the fighting spirit of his players. Notably, goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang was highly rated by the South Korean coach for his ability to command the defense.

"He played with great passion, performing well both mentally and physically, and fulfilled his duties. Patrik Le Giang played with the responsibility of a goalkeeper, communicating and leading the defenders very well until the end of the match," Coach Kim Sang Sik commented.

Despite holding a two-goal advantage, Coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed that Vietnam cannot yet think the job is done. According to him, the result in Kuala Lumpur only created an initial advantage in the race for a place in the final.

"Even though we won this match 2-0, it's only the first leg of the semi-final. We need to review the shortcomings and tactics, and the players also need to recover their fitness to perform better in the second leg at My Dinh, Hanoi," Coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized.

"The important thing is that we won. But ahead, Vietnam still needs to focus on the return leg in Hanoi. We will have to correct the mistakes to play better," Mr. Kim added.

Meanwhile, Man of the Match Nguyen Xuan Son said that he and his teammates initially struggled with the pitch at Kuala Lumpur Stadium but gradually adapted, patiently waiting for opportunities to score.

Xuan Son also thanked the Vietnamese fans present in the stands at Kuala Lumpur Stadium, while affirming that he will continue to strive to play better in the second leg of the semi-final.

According to the planned schedule, at 12:30 on August 17, the Vietnam team will depart to return to Hanoi. The second leg of the semi-final will take place at My Dinh Stadium on August 19.

The 2-0 advantage gives Coach Kim Sang Sik's team the initiative, but the South Korean coach remains cautious. For him, the victory in Kuala Lumpur is only the first step, and Vietnam still has 90 minutes at My Dinh to complete the goal of reaching the final.