Football

Vietnamese players seen at a training session on June 4 in Hà Nội. Việt Nam will host the Philippines during the 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 6 at the Mỹ Đình Stadium. — Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI - Kim Sang-Sik is expected to make a strong debut when Việt Nam hosts the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualification Asian zone at the Mỹ Đình on June 6 in Hà Nội.

Although it will be a first outing for the South Korean manager as national team head coach he wants a better result compared to the first match of his successor Park Hang-seo, the most successful coach of Việt Nam in history.

"Seven years ago, coach Park Hang Seo had a draw result in his first match with Việt Nam. My target is a win," Kim said at the press briefing on June 5 in Hà Nội.

Under Park, Việt Nam drew nil nil against Afghanistan in his opener. The result helped Việt Nam secure a place in the Asian Cup finals 2019.

“Tomorrow will be my first match. Despite short time of practice I tried to convey my philosophy and hope the players catch up with it," Kim said.

“I want to be a senior of players on the field where I will instruct and guide them to complete their exercise and I want to connect to them and bring out their best. Meanwhile in daily life I want us to be close like brothers in a family.

Coach Kim Sang- Sik joins in a training session with Vietnamese players on June 4 in Hà Nội. Việt Nam will host the Philippines during the 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 6 at the Mỹ Đình Stadium. — Photo of VFF

"I receive support from local supporters and play on home ground. Players have practised well and tried hard every day so I hope they will play with confidence we will have good result against the Philippines."

The 47-year-old has only had five days working with the 27 players but discovered that their ability and passion exceeded his expectations. If they can sharpen their technique and tactical mind, they would be a much better version, leading to a stronger team, he concluded.

In Group F, Việt Nam are in third place with only three points, while the Philippines at the bottom with one point after four games. Both two sides need a win to maintain their small hope of qualifying for the next stage, meanwhile a draw or a loss mean they will be eliminated from the tournament.

Captain Đỗ Hùng Dũng also attended the briefing.

He said a heavy domestic competition schedule and short preparation time are challenges for Việt Nam, but all players were ready and hoped to make Kim's debut a good game.

"Currently, coaches around the world often follow a general trend with similar styles. This is consistent with the development process of teams and football.

"Việt Nam are under new coach and each change requires time and effort, so we hope to have support from the supporters. A five-day training schedule is short but my teammates and I tried very hard to meet the coach's requirements.

"We are in a good mood and have the best conditions. We will play the match with highest determination," he said.

Coach Tom Saintfiet of the Philippines said they were also confident despite playing away.

He said Việt Nam were a strong rival and under a new coach, difficult to read, so it would be difficult, but the Philippines would try to win.

Saintfiet, who has taken charge of 12 national teams, said his coaching board researched Việt Nam via video clips. It was a team of experienced and many young talented players, making them a powerhouse in the region.

The Philippines lost their first match, but the team prepared well for the upcoming game regardless which playing style Kim would apply for Việt Nam.

Asked about naturalised players in his team, Saintfiet said the local federation wanted to seek all Filipino talents in the world to join together to develop the national football team.

The coaching board is still focused on domestic players, but the coach has been travelling to many countries and talked with number of players and there were five or six who could play for the national team.

Coach Tom Saintfiet of the Philippines. — VNS Photo

In the Mỹ Đình match, there would be players wearing the Philippine national team shirt for the first time and some Filipino players might not speak the same language, but wearing the national jersey they would fight all their best, Saintfiet added.

Centre-back Christian Rontini was excited and could not wait for the game. He said it would be big challenge but his side was determined.

"It is 50-50 for both teams but we will not play for a draw. I clearly know a group of outstanding players of Việt Nam. They are Quang Hải, Hùng Dũng, Tiến Linh, they are very agile and technical. Việt Nam may be rated higher, but let's wait and see," he said. VNS