Brian Jeffrey
Coach Kim Sang Sik’s Aspirations for Vietnamese Football
For coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnamese national team, securing the 2024 ASEAN Cup is just the starting point. He is dedicated to his promise to player Xuan Son while also cherishing the joyous moments of their journey.
Vietnam clinched the ASEAN Cup title by defeating Thailand in two matches, with a score of 2-1 in the first leg and 3-2 in the second. Under Kim Sang Sik’s guidance, the team maintained an unbeaten streak in the tournament, achieving seven victories and one draw, showcasing their championship success.
While initially facing doubts due to lackluster performances at the beginning of his coaching career, the 48-year-old has proven himself by leading the team to unexpected achievements.
Kim Sang Sik views this ASEAN Cup victory as just a preliminary accomplishment. He aims for the team to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and even aspires for a spot in the 2030 FIFA World Cup as a long-term objective.
A Memorable Victory Celebration
As Vietnam celebrated its victory at the Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand, Kim Sang Sik let loose from his serious role, showing off a hip-hop dance that quickly became a sensation online.
Feeling a mix of exhaustion and embarrassment, he honored his promise to the players to dance upon winning. He had intended to perform the dance alongside Xuan Son, but unfortunately, the forward sustained an injury in the first half and had to be hospitalized.
Although initially uncertain about dancing in front of the audience, Kim Sang Sik is likely looking forward to creating many more celebratory moments with the team. He expressed that the dance would have been even more lively had Xuan Son been there to share it.
Influenced by Brazil’s football culture, known for its joy and samba, Kim aims to cultivate an atmosphere where his players can enjoy memorable experiences while pursuing success together.
Unexpected Joy and Pride in Coaching
In a conversation with SPOTV News, Kim Sang Sik shared the unexpected happiness he has encountered in Vietnam since achieving the ASEAN Cup victory.
He expressed, “I was amazed when a taxi driver refused my fare. At a café, I was treated to free drinks. The support from fans has been incredible. When I walk through the streets, people recognize me and say my name; it’s such a nice feeling.”
Kim Sang Sik also expressed immense pride in his players, akin to a father boasting about his children.
“Our players possess impressive physical abilities. They follow South Korean training routines and perform remarkably well. The team trains diligently and recovers quickly, stronger than I ever anticipated. Even during a frigid training camp in South Korea, they remained healthy and resilient.
After the tournament, he reiterated that Vietnam should set higher goals, starting with qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and aiming for the FIFA World Cup.
“We will keep striving to bring joy to our supporters. If we maintain our current momentum, our team’s following will only grow. Qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup is our dream, but it requires more than team effort; we must invest in youth talent development and consider naturalization of players, reflecting global football trends.”
