Coach Kim Sang Sik makes a surprising decision regarding the Vietnam national team

The Korean coach organized a private practice for the Vietnam team on October 7 to ensure tactical secrecy before their upcoming game versus Nepal in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

On the afternoon of October 7, the Vietnam national team conducted their third training session at Gò Đậu stadium in preparation for the match against Nepal on October 9. Notably, after the first two sessions allowed media coverage, Coach Kim Sang Sik requested a closed training to focus on tactical drills. This session also helped the Korean coach plan his player selection for the forthcoming encounter.

During this call-up, Coach Kim surprised many by inviting several standout players from the Vietnam U23 squad, including Xuân Bắc, Đình Bắc, Văn Khang, Hiểu Minh, Nhật Minh, Thanh Nhàn, Phi Hoàng, and goalkeeper Trung Kiên. With this strong young lineup and a relatively moderate opponent, fans are eager to see fresh talent introduced to the national team.

Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, the Vietnam team consistently welcomes young players who demonstrate stable performance. For instance, in the match against Laos in March, Khuất Văn Khang got playing time, while defender Phạm Lý Đức gained experience with the national team during the game against Malaysia in June.

Given some key players are injured or not in their best condition, offering chances to new faces is a sensible strategy. It refreshes the squad and builds a solid foundation for the future. Young players may be integrated alongside experienced members, allowing them to gain valuable experience and bring a completely new look to the team.

Even striker Tiến Linh recently confirmed this approach in his statements. He emphasized: “They are showing determination, eager to prove themselves, and are all promising talents in Vietnamese football. The upcoming two matches will be a valuable opportunity for them to gain experience and progress in the future. I believe these young players will bring a fresh appearance to the Vietnam national team.”

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