Indonesia, 1 Oct 2026 – Coach Kim Sang-sik has called on his players to put their disappointment behind them and defeat Pakistan in their final FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group-stage match, with the national team now setting their sights on securing a place in the third-place playoff.
Speaking to the media ahead of Vietnam’s training session on October 1, Kim acknowledged that his side no longer have a chance of reaching the final following their 2-0 defeat to Thailand. However, victory over Pakistan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on October 2 would guarantee Vietnam second place in Group B and qualification for the third-place playoff. With that objective still available, the South Korean coach stressed that his players remain fully focused on collecting all three points.
“We no longer have a chance to play in the final. However, we still have to prepare for the match against Pakistan,” Kim said. “We have analysed them through our video meetings, and the players are also ready for the upcoming match. This will be the first official match between Pakistan and Vietnam, so we have to give everything we have.”
Vietnam could face a selection concern in goal, with Patrik Le Giang dealing with an injury sustained during the previous match. Kim revealed that the goalkeeper suffered the problem after colliding with the goalpost and will need to undergo further assessment before a decision is made on his availability. “Patrik Le Giang was injured in the previous match after colliding with the goalpost and has some minor problems. We need to check and monitor his condition,” Kim explained. “I am not sure whether Patrik will be ready for tomorrow’s match. We need to discuss it with the medical staff and coaching staff.”
Kim added that his players are working to move on from the disappointment of the Thailand defeat while addressing the shortcomings identified in their previous performances. Vietnam’s coaching staff have studied Pakistan extensively through video analysis ahead of what will be the first meeting between the two countries at senior international level. The South Asian side have already demonstrated their resilience at the tournament, fighting back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against the Philippines.
The Vietnam coach also thanked the supporters who have travelled to the stadium as well as those following the team from home. While expressing regret over the defeat to Thailand, Kim hopes the national team will continue to receive strong backing from Vietnamese fans until the end of the tournament. He stressed that the squad will prepare thoroughly not only for the Pakistan match but also for a potential third-place playoff, with the aim of finishing the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 on a positive note and delivering victories for the supporters.
Vietnam will face Pakistan at 4 p.m. on October 2 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with victory guaranteeing Kim Sang-sik’s side second place in Group B and a spot in the third-place playoff.
VSN/RPT
Leave a Reply