Revealing the unexpected directive from Coach Kim Sang Sik before extra time that helped U23 Vietnam secure a convincing victory over UAE

This moment came just before extra time, when Coach Kim Sang Sik issued what seemed like a risky instruction, yet it turned out to be the key that unlocked victory for the Red Shirt team.

After a tense 90 minutes, both teams were exhausted. U23 UAE began to show clear signs of fatigue, while U23 Vietnam, though tired, maintained a high level of activity. It was at this point that Coach Kim Sang Sik made a surprising decision: instead of retreating to protect the lead, he instructed his players to increase pressure and push forward aggressively.

"We have better stamina; they are worn out. Let’s apply more pressure," was the brief but pivotal message conveyed by the coaching staff before extra time. This directive went against the usual cautious defensive approach seen in knockout matches but demonstrated the Korean coach’s absolute confidence in his players’ fitness and fighting spirit.

The on-field reality proved Coach Kim’s assessment entirely accurate. U23 Vietnam controlled the game better during extra time, continuously passing through midfield, stretching UAE’s defense, and forcing the opponents into a reactive stance. Once considered underdogs entering the tournament, U23 Vietnam played extra time with the mindset of the stronger side.

Beyond changing the tactical approach, Coach Kim Sang Sik showed exceptional observational skills. He quickly noticed that the two UAE wing players were nearly depleted of energy, prompting him to introduce faster and stronger players to exploit this weakness. The bursts of speed from Đình Bắc, Thanh Nhàn, and the aggressive runs of Lê Phát repeatedly unsettled the opposing defense.

On the defensive front, the decision to deploy Anh Quân also highlighted a clear tactical mark. Although a defender, Anh Quân’s role was not purely defensive. He was tasked with tightly marking crossing situations, UAE’s most dangerous weapon. By shutting down both flanks, the West Asian team was almost stripped of attacking options at a critical moment.

Beyond just a single match, the victory over UAE reflects the comprehensive growth of U23 Vietnam under Coach Kim Sang Sik. While the 2018 Thường Châu journey was seen as a "miracle," the current team wins through quality and resilience. They confidently control possession, compete evenly with West Asian teams, and know how to finish off opponents when the opportunity arises.

This win also extended Coach Kim Sang Sik’s official winning streak to 15 matches, an impressive statistic demonstrating rare consistency. More than numbers, the most valuable aspect is the spirit of the U23 Vietnam squad: daring to play, take risks, and believe in themselves.

As they enter the semifinals, the identity of the opponent matters less. Given their performance so far, U23 Vietnam is no longer searching for miracles. They are writing their own championship journey with courage, tactics, and confidence forged through Coach Kim Sang Sik’s daring instructions.