Coach Kim Sang-sik fulfilled his promise to celebrate in style after leading Vietnam to a 5-3 aggregate victory over Thailand in the Asean Cup 2024 final. Following the thrilling 3-2 win in the second leg at Rajamangala Stadium on January 5, the 48-year-old South Korean coach delighted fans and players by performing his signature hip-hop dance.
Before the decisive match, Kim had vowed to showcase his dance moves if Vietnam clinched the championship. True to his word, he spun around, swayed his hips, and danced for several seconds amid cheers from his players and coaching staff. The entire team then joined in, jumping and clapping as they celebrated with the Vietnamese supporters in the stands. Known for his love of rap music and hip-hop, Kim had joked that he would be careful not to damage the pitch with his enthusiastic moves.
This isn’t the first time Kim has celebrated a victory with a dance. He previously performed similar moves after guiding Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to the K-League title in 2021 and the Korean FA Cup in 2022. His joyful celebrations have become a hallmark of his coaching career, symbolizing his passion for the game and connection with his team.
As a former midfielder, Kim earned 59 caps for the South Korean national team, scoring two goals. He began his coaching career in 2020 and has managed two teams: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and the Vietnamese national team. With this latest triumph, Kim becomes the third coach to lead Vietnam to a Southeast Asian championship, following Henrique Calisto in 2008 and Park Hang-seo in 2018. Notably, like his compatriot Park, Kim secured the title in his first appearance at the tournament.
Throughout the AFF Cup 2024, Kim made significant tactical contributions that proved decisive for Vietnam’s success. He utilized midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan as a defensive anchor, allowing Nguyen Hoang Duc more freedom to orchestrate the offense. Kim also placed trust in players who had not been prominently featured under previous coaches, such as goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, defenders Nguyen Van Vi and Nguyen Thanh Chung, midfielders Chau Ngoc Quang and Bui Vi Hao, and forward Dinh Thanh Binh.
His strategic substitutions were equally impactful. Striker Pham Tuan Hai, who had been a substitute for most of the tournament, was given a starting role in the second leg of the final and contributed to two crucial goals. Additionally, introducing Nguyen Quang Hai in the second half consistently boosted the team’s offensive capabilities. Remarkably, 90% of Vietnam’s 20 goals in the tournament were scored in the second half, highlighting Kim’s ability to adjust tactics effectively during matches.
Kim’s successful leadership and innovative strategies have not only brought glory to Vietnamese football but have also endeared him to fans and players alike. His celebratory dance symbolizes the joyful spirit he brings to the game and marks the beginning of a promising new chapter for Vietnam’s national team. As he looks ahead, Kim views this victory as just the start, expressing eagerness to build on this success in upcoming competitions like the final round of Asian Cup qualifiers and the 2025 SEA Games.
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