The Vietnam national team, led by Coach Kim Sang-sik, traveled to Gyeongju, South Korea on November 23 for a training camp, where they played three friendly matches. The team won all three games, defeating K-League 3 team Ulsan Citizen 2-0, K-League 1 side Daegu FC 2-0, and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 3-1.
“I am very happy to have beaten Jeonbuk,” said Coach Kim Sang-sik after the final match on December 1. “I see the team improving, and the players have shown progress in both skills and tactics.”
During the training camp, Coach Kim gave playing opportunities to most of the 30 players, while maintaining a three-center-back formation and high pressing tactics. Six players scored for the team: midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (2 goals), Nguyen Hai Long, striker Nguyen Tien Linh, Pham Tuan Hai, Dinh Thanh Binh, and center-back Do Duy Manh.
The 48-year-old coach was satisfied with the players’ strong passion for football, as well as their determination and motivation. He also praised the players for their hard work despite the much colder weather in South Korea compared to Vietnam.
In addition to the technical sessions, the training camp also included activities such as visiting temples and enjoying Korean barbecue to help the team relax and bond. Coach Kim hopes that the players will approach the AFF Cup 2024 with a unified spirit. Meanwhile, the coaching staff will continue preparing tactics and training methods tailored to the players’ needs.
Coach Kim stated, “Reaching the final is the goal of the entire team and the hope of our fans. I want the players to give their best in every match, starting with the opening game against Laos, and to win every match.”
According to the plan, the team will return to Vietnam on December 3, where they will restructure the squad, including the addition of players from Nam Dinh, who are finishing their AFC Champions League Two group stage match against Bangkok United on December 4. The final list of 26 players for the tournament will be confirmed on December 8, with only 23 players being registered for each match.
For the AFF Cup 2024 group stage, Vietnam has chosen Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho as their home venue. The team will face Laos (away, December 9), Indonesia (home, December 15), Philippines (away, December 18), and Myanmar (home, December 21).
“I and the players understand how much the people of Vietnam love football,” Coach Kim said. “We are committed to meeting their expectations with good results in the AFF Cup.”
Starting this year, the AFF Cup will be renamed the ASEAN Cup, which will be held from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The 10 teams will be divided into two groups, playing two home and two away matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. From this stage onwards, the knockout rounds will be played in a two-legged format, but the away goals rule will not apply.
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