South Korea, 4 July 2026 – Vietnam national team stepped up preparations on July 4 with an important training session in Incheon, South Korea, as head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players geared up for their first friendly match of the training camp against Siheung FC of K League 3 on July 5.
The session marked a key stage in Vietnam’s build-up, with the coaching staff using it to assess the squad and begin shaping the lineup for the opening test of the South Korea training camp.
Earlier in the day, Kim Sang Sik and his assistants held a tactical meeting with the players to outline the training objectives and discuss the technical requirements for the next phase of preparations.
Following the warm-up, the squad was divided into two teams for a full-pitch practice match. Unlike previous sessions, Kim Sang Sik spent most of the time observing from the sidelines rather than constantly instructing the players. The Korean coach closely monitored each player’s movement, teamwork, tactical understanding, and overall performance, with the internal match serving as an important reference for selecting the squad against Siheung FC.
Before training, 19-year-old center-back Dinh Quang Kiet shared his excitement about joining the senior national team’s overseas training camp for the first time.
“This is my first time training with the Vietnam national team, so I’m very happy and honestly a little surprised. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to learn, evaluate myself, and continue improving for the future,” Quang Kiet said.
At 19, Quang Kiet is the youngest player in Vietnam’s current squad. After making significant strides with Hoang Anh Gia Lai during the past V.League season, the 1.96-meter defender believes training alongside experienced international teammates will accelerate his development.
Reflecting on his progress, Quang Kiet credited the regular playing time he received at Hoang Anh Gia Lai as the biggest factor behind his rapid improvement.
“I’m very grateful to the Hoang Anh Gia Lai coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play regularly in V.League 1. Those matches helped me gain valuable experience and eventually earn a call-up from coach Kim Sang Sik.”
Standing at 1.96 meters, Quang Kiet is the tallest player in Vietnam’s current squad. He said he is determined to maximize his aerial ability and physical presence, especially in defensive duels and set-piece situations.
Despite fierce competition for places, the young defender views it as a positive challenge.
“Everyone wants to be included in the matchday squad and contribute to the national team. That’s why every player is giving their absolute best in every training session.”
Vietnam will take on Siheung FC on the afternoon of July 5 in their first friendly of the South Korea training camp. The match will give Kim Sang Sik and his coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the squad, test tactical ideas, and provide valuable playing time before facing stronger opposition in Yongin FC of K League 2 and Gangwon FC of K League 1 later in the camp.
VSN/RPT
Leave a Reply