Defending champions Vietnam took a massive step toward the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final with a clinical 2-0 victory over Malaysia in their semi-final first leg. However, if you thought the Golden Star Warriors would be popping champagne, think again.
Despite securing two crucial away goals, the mood in the post-match press conference was one of intense focus, relentless ambition, and a clear understanding that the job is only half done. Head coach Kim Sang-sik and Man of the Match Nguyen Xuan Son faced the media, breaking down a gritty performance that was far from a walk in the park.
Both Kim and Son were quick to point out that the playing conditions in Malaysia presented a significant hurdle.
“We won 2-0, but we had a hard time adjusting to the ground,” Coach Kim admitted candidly. “The grass conditions and everything was not easy. It was difficult, and there was some difficulty with our tactics during the match as well.”
Son echoed his manager’s sentiments, highlighting the grit required to secure the result on a challenging surface. “It was difficult in the beginning, and I had to adapt. The most important thing is the result. We won, and I am very happy.”
The defining moment of the match came from Vietnam’s lethal frontman, Nguyen Xuan Son. True to his reputation as a predator inside the penalty area, Son capitalized on a pinpoint cross to break the deadlock and, in the process, shattered the record for goals scored by a Vietnamese player in knockout stage history.
“For me, as a position striker, I am always ready. I just need one ball. I wait for the moment,” Son explained. “To be honest, the box is my best. If the ball comes to the box, I can score a lot of goals. I want to help the national team. That’s what I do every day.”
One of the major talking points of the night was Coach Kim’s visibly frustrated reaction on the sidelines immediately after Son’s brilliant opening goal. When pressed on his icy demeanor, the South Korean tactician offered a fascinating glimpse into his elite mentality.
“I wasn’t satisfied with the play we had prepared. As a coach, I wasn’t satisfied,” Kim revealed. “But at the end, Son scored a great goal. I didn’t look happy, but I was really happy inside my heart! That kind of emotion shows on my face, but when Son scored, I was truly happy.”
While Son grabbed the headlines, Coach Kim was sure to credit the men keeping things locked down at the back, specifically singling out his goalkeeper, Patrik Le Giang, who produced a string of crucial saves in both halves.
“His passion, his physical ability, everything is really well prepared,” Kim said of his stopper. “He just keeps communicating with the defensive line. That’s a big responsibility, so I’m really satisfied with his performance.”
Heading into the return leg with a 2-0 aggregate lead, many would expect Vietnam to put their feet up. Not Kim Sang-sik. Refusing to let his players rest on their laurels, the manager delivered a stern warning ahead of the rematch.
“I’m not confident at all. Even though we won 2-0, I think only the first half is over,” Kim declared. “We need to prepare well for the second half [leg]. The players need to recover quickly, and we have to keep improving and developing.”
With a ruthless mindset and a record-breaking striker leading the line, Vietnam looks unstoppable. But as Coach Kim made crystal clear—the war isn’t over yet.
Credit Photo : VFF
