Coach Kim Sang Sik switches to SEA Games 33 gold medal pursuit mode

16/10/2025 16:59:00 SportScoop

Coach Kim Sang Sik is showing a defined and steady plan aimed at SEA Games 33, emphasizing a strong connection between the senior national team and Vietnam's U23 team.

Two consecutive wins over Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers not only helped Vietnam maintain their position in Group F but also reflected Coach Kim Sang Sik’s strategic vision in the quest to reclaim the gold medal at SEA Games 33. The Korean coach is gradually building a cohesive plan linking the national team and U23 Vietnam, a fresh and rare approach in Vietnamese football over recent years.

In the two matches against Nepal, Coach Kim Sang Sik boldly gave many young U23 players a chance. Names like Hiểu Minh, Thanh Nhàn, and Đình Bắc not only participated experimentally but also left a strong impression. Hiểu Minh scored the only goal securing Vietnam’s 1-0 win in the second leg, while Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc continuously troubled the opponent’s goal. The smooth integration of young players with the national team shows a clear generational transition under Kim Sang Sik’s leadership.

VFF thông báo sự trở lại bất ngờ của HLV Hàn Quốc 584139 — Coach Kim Sang Sik currently has many quality U23 players at his disposal

According to the plan, after the match against Laos on November 18, Coach Kim Sang Sik will fully focus on the U23 Vietnam team – the core squad for SEA Games 33 in December. Prior to that, U23 Vietnam had a quality training camp in the UAE, where interim coach Đinh Hồng Vinh’s team faced strong opponents like U23 Qatar. The squad will continue to play friendly matches in China against top Asian teams such as U23 South Korea and U23 Uzbekistan, both former U23 Asian champions.

Besides relying on familiar key players, Coach Kim Sang Sik also benefits greatly from the steady performance of young talents in the 2025/2026 V-League season. Players like Quốc Cường (Ho Chi Minh City Police) and Vadim Nguyễn (SHB Đà Nẵng) are emerging strongly, ready to compete for spots in the U23 lineup.

The dual strategy of working simultaneously with the national team and U23 squad allows Coach Kim Sang Sik to create continuity in playing style, while helping young players gain valuable high-level match experience. With this foundation, U23 Vietnam promises to enter SEA Games 33 with a balanced, resilient, and highly motivated team.

From meticulous preparation in personnel, tactics, and experience, it is clear that Coach Kim Sang Sik is building a systematic and clear pathway aimed at the highest goal: reclaiming the SEA Games gold medal for Vietnamese football.

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