The upcoming Asean Cup 2024 semi-final first leg between Singapore and Vietnam is set to be a litmus test for Coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad. Taking place at Jalan Besar Stadium, this encounter offers fans a chance to gauge the true potential of the Vietnamese national team, which has been strategically experimenting throughout the group stage.
During the group stage, Vietnam showcased a dynamic lineup, avoiding a fixed starting XI in all four matches. Experts believe this tactical approach by Coach Kim may have been a deliberate move to conceal his strategies for the knockout stages.
Vietnam’s defensive line has been particularly fluid, with the coaching staff testing various combinations. Notably, Coach Kim alternated between goalkeepers Filip Nguyen and Dinh Trieu, demonstrating adaptability and depth in this critical position. By the end of the group stage, 23 out of the 26 registered players had received playing time, leaving only young goalkeeper Trung Kien, Le Pham Thanh Long, and Pham Tuan Hai as yet-to-be-deployed options, potentially reserved for the semi-finals.
Facing Singapore on their artificial turf, Vietnam is expected to adopt a cautious approach. The team will need time to adapt to the ball’s movement on the synthetic surface. As such, Coach Kim may prioritize a safe strategy in the early stages, waiting for opportunities to strike through quick counter-attacks.
One player likely to feature prominently is Nguyen Xuan Son, who delivered an impressive performance in the match against Myanmar. Xuan Son also brings valuable experience from playing at Jalan Besar Stadium during Nam Dinh’s away game against Tampines Rovers in the AFC Champions League Two.
Given the challenges of playing on artificial turf and in an away environment, a draw would be a satisfactory outcome for Vietnam. Coach Kim could then aim to capitalize on the home advantage in the second leg, played on natural grass on December 29.
This semi-final marks a crucial phase for Vietnam, not only in their quest for Asean Cup glory but also as a measure of Coach Kim’s tactical acumen. As fans eagerly anticipate the showdown, the team’s adaptability and discipline will be key to navigating this challenging tie against a resilient Singapore side.
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