Thai fans react strongly to Vietnam's national team defeating three Korean clubs

Thai supporters are cautious about Vietnam following three straight victories in their pre-AFF Cup training stint in South Korea.

Vietnam's three-match winning streak in South Korea quickly caught the attention of the Thai football community. Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad successively beat Siheung FC 6-0, Yongin FC 2-1, and Gangwon FC 2-1. These opponents came from K3 League, K League 2, and K League 1, showing a gradual increase in difficulty with each match.

One Thai fan commented: “Vietnam didn’t pick opponents at their own level but raised the challenge step by step—that’s smart preparation.” Another opinion noted: “Winning a K3 side doesn’t say much, but then beating a K League 2 team and a K League 1 team shows they’re in good shape before the ASEAN Championship.”

Many also mentioned Coach Kim Sang Sik’s impact. One comment stated: “Kim knows Korean football well—how teams press and battle here—so this training trip is very valuable.” Another fan wrote: “Vietnam is both testing their squad and maintaining a winning mentality, something not every Southeast Asian team can do.”

The group of Brazilian-born naturalized players—Hoàng Hên, Xuân Son, and Tài Lộc—drew special interest. One opinion assessed: “Xuân Son has proven he can make a difference, while Hoàng Hên and Tài Lộc can make Vietnam less predictable.” Another warned rivals to prepare for the speed, technique, and strength of these players.

Some Thai fans even looked ahead to the 2027 Asian Cup, where Vietnam shares a group with South Korea. One comment noted: “Training in South Korea helps them better understand their opponents’ style, intensity, and tactical thinking.” Another opinion said: “Vietnam will struggle to surprise South Korea, but this preparation shows they have a long-term plan, not just focused on the Southeast Asian tournament.”

From a regional competition perspective, the winning streak is seen as a warning to Thailand. A fan wrote: “To win back the title, Thailand can’t rely solely on past reputation.” Although the Korean clubs may not have fielded their strongest lineups, Vietnam still showed stability, depth, and ambition to defend their ASEAN Championship 2026 crown.