South Korean media is abuzz with reactions to Kim Sang Sik’s debut victory as the head coach of the Vietnam national football team. On June 6th, Vietnam faced the Philippines in the F Group 5th round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. The match concluded with a thrilling 3-2 victory for Vietnam, marking a significant milestone for Kim Sang Sik.
Chosun Ilbo reported on the intense match where Vietnam showcased their resilience and tactical prowess under Kim’s leadership. The game saw the Philippines taking an early lead with Patrick Reichelt’s goal in the 17th minute of the second half. However, Nguyen Tien Linh turned the tide by scoring the equalizer in the 20th minute and then securing the lead with a second goal in the 31st minute.
The drama escalated when Kevin Ingreso of the Philippines netted a last-minute equalizer in the 44th minute, putting Vietnam under immense pressure. Undeterred, Vietnam continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off. Pham Tuan Hai scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute of the second half, sealing the victory and earning Vietnam three crucial points.
This win not only ended Vietnam’s seven-match losing streak but also brought them closer to advancing in the World Cup qualifiers. Vietnam now sits in third place with six points, just one point behind second-placed Indonesia. The close gap has reignited hopes for Vietnam’s qualification, making the upcoming matches even more critical.
The victory has been celebrated widely in South Korea, especially considering Kim Sang Sik’s journey. After being dismissed from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K League 1 due to poor performance last year, Kim’s return to coaching with Vietnam has been seen as a redemption arc. His successful debut has garnered positive attention, highlighting his ability to turn around challenging situations.
Chosun Ilbo emphasized the contrasting fortunes of the two South Korean coaches in the Asian qualifiers. While Kim Sang Sik’s Vietnam triumphed, Shin Tae-yong’s Indonesia faced a tough defeat against Iraq on the same day. Indonesia, playing at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, lost 0-2 to Iraq, a match compounded by a red card and missed opportunities. Despite the setback, Indonesia remains hopeful for advancing, contingent on their performance against the Philippines in their next match.
As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on the performances of Kim Sang Sik and his Vietnamese team. Their upcoming away match against Iraq on June 12th will be a decisive moment, potentially shaping the future trajectory of Vietnamese football under Kim’s leadership.
In conclusion, Kim Sang Sik’s debut victory with Vietnam has been a source of pride and inspiration, not just for Vietnamese fans but also for the South Korean football community. The positive reactions from South Korean media reflect the shared excitement and support for Kim’s new journey, as he continues to lead Vietnam towards greater achievements in the international football arena.
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