Coach Kim Sang-sik (centre) at the ASEAN Cup 2024. — Photo soha.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI Following the Vietnamese national team's historic triumph at the ASEAN Cup 2024, head coach Kim Sang-sik faces two significant upcoming challenges.

South Korean Kim made a remarkable impact, leading Việt Nam to victory in the Cup and equalling the championship record set by his predecessor, Park Hang-seo also from South Korea.

This win marked a milestone for Việt Nam, with the team concluding the tournament with an impressive record of seven wins and one draw, remaining unbeaten throughout - an achievement unmatched in the 29-year history of the ASEAN Cup.

Additionally, the Vietnamese squad showcased their offensive strength by scoring a record-breaking 21 goals.

However, the championship victory is merely the beginning for Kim and Vietnamese football.

“We have completed the first goal. The Vietnamese team are now focused on the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games later this year. I view the ASEAN Cup as a new beginning for Việt Nam,” Kim said.

In the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Việt Nam are placed in Group F alongside Malaysia, Laos and Nepal. Seen as a bigger challenge than ASEAN, Việt Nam is being rated the strongest contender. However, complacency is not an option, as only the top team will secure a direct ticket to advance.

Malaysia and Nepal are the primary competitors for this spot, while Laos, despite being seen as underdogs, have shown significant improvement.

Việt Nam is looking for another stand out performance in order to reach the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in December 2025, Việt Nam's goal is clear, to win the gold medal after securing bronze in the previous edition.

Kim can count on his extensive experience with Vietnamese football and a solid team framework, yet he will still face some tough competition, particularly from host nation Thailand, who are well-prepared, and defending champions Indonesia, known for their formidable play.

As the journey unfolds, all eyes will be on Kim and the Vietnamese team as they seek to tackle these new challenges head-on. VNS