HLV Kim Sang Sik witnesses many surprises at Thien Truong Stadium

The encounter between Nam Dinh and Cong An TP.HCM at Thien Truong Stadium saw HLV Kim Sang Sik in attendance. The Vietnam national team head coach encountered plenty of surprises from this duel as he evaluates players for the national team.

What is particularly noteworthy is thatHLV Kim Sang Sikchose not to go toNinh Binhto watch the match between Ninh Binh and The Cong Viettel, which featured a host of national team players, but instead appeared at Thien Truong.

That decision shows that besides the familiar national team players fromNam Dinhsuch as Xuan Son and Van Vi, Mr. Kim Sang Sik also paid significant attention to the emerging talents of Cong An TP.HCM.

Perhaps after 90 minutes in Nam Dinh, HLV Kim Sang Sik gained more than he expected.

As the Vietnam national team prepares for the ASEAN Cup 2026 and further ahead to the Asian Cup 2027, personnel matters are always a top priority.

After a long season, many new faces have emerged, and Cong An TP.HCM is the team that has created the most surprises in the latter part of the season.

Under coach Phung Thanh Phuong, Cong An TP.HCM has undergone a complete transformation. Since replacing coach Le Huynh Duc from round 22 of the V-League, Cong An TP.HCM has remained undefeated. Phung Thanh Phuong's team climbed into the top five of the V-League and now advances directly to the National Cup final.

A journey that far exceeds expectations, given the difficulties and upheavals the team experienced throughout the season. The 4-2 victory right at Thien Truong was the most representative performance of that change.

The first half was arguably the best 45 minutes for Cong An TP.HCM this season. Raphael Utzig opened the scoring, Matheus Felipe doubled the lead, Lee Williams netted the third, and Gia Bao closed the half with a goal making it 4-0. Notably, those goals came from various positions, reflecting collective strength rather than reliance on any individual.

If HLV Kim Sang Sik came to the stadium seeking new elements for the Vietnam national team, he certainly gained additional names worth considering. Defender Gia Bao, previously called up to the national team under Kim Sang Sik, continued to demonstrate his growth. Not only did he fulfill his defensive duties, but he also directly scored against Tran Nguyen Manh.

Lee Williams also made a strong impression. This overseas Vietnamese player not only scored but was also extremely active, creating many unexpected situations. With his ideal physique, good aerial ability, and modern playing style,Lee Williamscould become a viable option for the national team once his citizenship procedures are completed in the coming months.

In goal,Patrik Le Giangcontinued to assert his class. Despite conceding two goals, this goalkeeper made several outstanding saves that left Xuan Son and Nam Dinh's strikers frustrated. Having already obtained Vietnamese citizenship, Le Giang is clearly a strong candidate for the national team's goalkeeper position in the near future.

While Cong An TP.HCM made a strong impression, Nam Dinh disappointed spectators. A team once expected to compete for all titles now ends the season empty-handed. Coach Vu Hong Viet's team closed the campaign with a painful defeat on their home ground.

Xuan Sonstill left his mark with a spectacular goal to narrow the score to 1-4, but overall, he was not at his best.

The naturalized striker also made a mistake in the third goal conceded. In the 36th minute, when Nam Dinh desperately needed a goal to get back into the match, Xuan Son made a poor pass during a promising counterattack. Cong An TP.HCM immediately intercepted, launched a quick counter, and Lee Williams headed in to make it 3-0. That was the turning point that shattered all hopes for the home team.