Binh Duong – Vietnam’s national football team scraped a 2-1 victory over Cambodia in a friendly at Go Dau Stadium on March 19, but head coach Kim Sang-sik expressed dissatisfaction with his squad’s performance despite goals from Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Van Vi.
The match, a key preparation for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Laos on March 25, exposed both strengths and flaws as Vietnam struggled to maintain control after a strong first half. Kim’s post-match critique underscored his high expectations for the reigning ASEAN Cup champions.
In the press conference, Kim praised the first half, where Hai Long’s 26th-minute free-kick and Van Vi’s 35th-minute strike secured a 2-0 lead. “The first half was solid—our preparation paid off with Hai Long’s opener and Van Vi’s goal,” he said. “But in the second half, we faltered in transitioning play, and some substitutes didn’t settle well, giving Cambodia a chance to score.” Samuel’s 64th-minute goal for Cambodia narrowed the gap to 2-1, a moment Kim lamented. “I’m not fully satisfied with this result,” he admitted.
Addressing key substitutions, Kim explained pulling Hoang Duc after a slip. “I always worry when a player gets hurt. Hoang Duc felt pain after slipping, so I replaced him to protect his condition—he’s vital for us,” he said. On withdrawing Trieu Viet Hung early, paving the way for Van Vi’s impact, Kim noted, “Viet Hung wasn’t at his training best and seemed overeager, affecting his fitness. I had to take him off. Van Vi’s entry stabilized our play significantly.”
Kim’s reluctance to field young players in the first half drew questions. “I didn’t want to disrupt the lineup too much,” he clarified. “We needed a steady framework for Laos. This game was for the youngsters to observe and learn—they’ll get their chances soon.” The approach reflected his focus on continuity ahead of the qualifiers, balancing experience with emerging talent like Tran Bao Toan and Vo Hoang Minh Khoa, who watched from the bench.
Hai Long, the match’s opening scorer, offered a player’s perspective. “We played well overall, though some moments weren’t smooth,” he said. “Things improved as the game went on. This win is a crucial stepping stone for Laos.” His curling free-kick showcased Vietnam’s potential, but Cambodia’s resilience—driven by naturalized stars like Kan Mo—tested their resolve.
For Kim, the narrow win highlighted areas to refine. “We need better consistency and sharper substitutes,” he stressed. As Vietnam shifts focus to Laos, this friendly serves as both a wake-up call and a confidence boost. Fans, while relieved, share Kim’s hunger for more as the team eyes a third straight Asian Cup berth.
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