Football  

Vietnamese players in a training on July 16 in Hà Nội. Việt Nam will play Myanmar in a friendly match on July 18 in Thái Nguyên Province. — Photos courtesy of VFF

THÁI NGUYÊN — Kim Sang-sik believed a meet with Myanmar will be key step in his preparation for Việt Nam's ASEAN Championship 2026 campaign.

Việt Nam will host Myanmar in a friendly match on July 18 in Thái Nguyên Province.

"Tomorrow match will be the last touch of my team for the regional championship. It is an opportunity for players to show what they have gained after four weeks of training and coaches to value the entire team," Kim said at a press conference on July 17.

Kim added that during that time he tried to improve the team's technique, tactics and mentality. Through the match he would clearly know and hope that players would reach their best form for the tournament which would be held from July 24-August 26 in 10 host cities.

Asked about individual members of the defending champions, Kim said he is pleased with the join of new players in the team who would strongly support his experienced teammates during the match.

They would also give him more options when selecting his starting XI, with the immediate goal of guiding the team out of the group stage.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and his midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải (right) at the press conference on July 17.

He confirmed that some quality players such as midfielder Khuất Văn Khang, and defenders Đỗ Duy Mạnh and Lê Ngọc Bảo left the team because of injuries. He also called young player Khổng Minh Gia Bảo to fill the hole.

“We do not rely on any single individual. What matters most is collective strength and the best possible preparation for each match,” he said.

Speaking about Myanmar, Kim said the team just made change in the coaching board but it seemed not a big issue as they were still a respected rival.

Two years ago, Việt Nam beat Myanmar 5-0. Currently, they are under new head coach whose ability was proved at the South Korean K-League. I believe that Myanmar will play with their highest spirit and determination tomorrow," said Kim.

The South Korean tactician was impressed with the hospitality and warmly welcomes his squad when they arrived in their land early July 17.

“They have made up great atmosphere welcoming us. Hope that we will score many goals to entertain our supporters," he said.

Attending the conference, captain Nguyễn Quang Hải said Việt Nam aimed to have a positive result against Myanmar, which would be a boost their title defending campaign.

“Despite a friendly, we still expect a win. It will prove that we have had a good preparation for the upcoming tournament,” said Hải.

Coach Jorn Andersen and his captain Nanda Kyaw considered the match was their chance to learn from a strong rival and improve stronger. 

Myanmar head coach Jorn Andersen and captain Nanda Kyaw.

Andersen has taken charge the team for a week and the match will mark his debut in the new role.

The Norwegian said Việt Nam were among strongest teams – with new strong factors in the front line – in the region. It would be a tough game for Myanmar but good for them to collect more experience and sharpen skills while he would evaluate the players' abilities, competitive spirit, and tactical execution.

“Playing against a strong rival helps us recognise our weaknesses. Whatever the result is, it will be an important game for Myanmar's football growth,” Andersen said.

Meanwhile, Kyaw thanked the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) for hosting the friendly, saying he and his teammates would give their all to demonstrate how much they had improved since their previous meetings with Việt Nam.

He added that Myanmar were in a transitional phase under a new coaching staff and with a revamped squad, but the team were determined to deliver a positive performance against the hosts. — VNS