A Foregone Conclusion
As the final round of the second phase of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers approached, Vietnam still had a theoretical chance of advancing. This hinged on securing points against Iraq and benefiting from a favorable result in the match between Indonesia and the Philippines.
However, most fans understood the improbability of such outcomes. Indeed, the anticipated scenario unfolded: Indonesia triumphed 2-0 over the Philippines, securing their spot in the next round, while Vietnam succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Iraq.
Entering the match against Iraq with a relaxed mindset, knowing Indonesia’s victory over the Philippines, the Vietnamese players could not establish an even contest against a team close to the top five in Asia.
Iraq fielded a mix of their main squad and some substitutes, yet they dominated the first half. Had Mohanad Ali not missed a penalty in the 19th minute, Iraq could have inflicted a heavier defeat on Vietnam.
This match laid bare all of Vietnam’s weaknesses: inferior physical duels, slower pace compared to their opponents, lapses in defensive concentration, and inadequacies in long-range defense. Coach Kim Sang Sik will undoubtedly need to address these issues if he aims to elevate Vietnam to greater heights.
Hopes for the Future
Losing is never easy for fans, especially for a team like Vietnam, which has endured a series of defeats and only recently secured a win against a weaker team like the Philippines. Optimism might seem far-fetched, yet there are glimmers of hope from the match against Iraq in front of tens of thousands of fervent fans.
Despite being outplayed in the first 20 minutes, Vietnam managed to play reasonably well given their current level. The team executed some decent attacking plays with clear intent, though their finishing lacked precision.
In the latter stages, with the game decided, Coach Kim Sang Sik experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation and more direct, long-ball tactics. This approach immediately paid off with a stunning goal from Tuan Hai.
Only two matches into his tenure, Coach Kim has shown adaptability and the ability to steer the team through tough patches, even if the final results haven’t always been wins. It’s unreasonable to expect more from a coach with just about 10 days of hands-on experience with the team.
Vietnamese fans have exhibited patience with former coach Philippe Troussier, who left little positive impact on the team’s playing style. Therefore, there is no reason not to support Coach Kim Sang Sik in his mission to revitalize the national team, especially with upcoming challenges like the ASEAN Cup 2024 and the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, which are expected to be more manageable.
Conclusion
While the loss to Iraq marks the end of Vietnam’s World Cup 2026 qualifying journey, it also offers insights and lessons for the future. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s early tenure suggests potential for improvement and adaptation. With continued support and patience, the Vietnamese national team could see a resurgence in forthcoming tournaments.
Leave a Reply