Winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup is just the beginning for coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnamese national team. He remains committed to his promise to Xuan Son while embracing unexpected moments of joy.

Vietnam secured the 2024 ASEAN Cup title after defeating Thailand in both legs of the final, winning 2-1 in the first match and 3-2 in the return leg. Under the leadership of Kim Sang Sik, the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording seven wins and one draw, making their championship triumph undeniably convincing.

Initially met with skepticism due to the team's underwhelming performances early in his tenure, the 48-year-old coach has now carved his own path to success, surprising many with his achievements.

Kim Sang Sik considers this ASEAN Cup victory only the first step in his journey with the team. He has set his sights on qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and even the 2030 FIFA World Cup has been mentioned as a long-term goal.

A promise to Xuan Son

As Vietnam celebrated their ASEAN Cup victory on Thailand’s Rajamangala Stadium turf, Kim Sang Sik momentarily shed his serious coaching persona, breaking into a hip-hop dance that quickly went viral.

The coach admitted he felt both exhausted and embarrassed but honored his promise to his players to dance if they won. Originally, he had planned to share the moment with Xuan Son, but the 27-year-old forward was forced off in the first half due to a serious injury and had to be hospitalized.

Despite his hesitation about dancing in front of the team and onlookers, Kim Sang Sik likely hopes for many more celebrations like this with Vietnam. He even suggested that with Xuan Son by his side, the dance would have been even more vibrant and complete.

Drawing inspiration from Brazil’s football culture, where samba is a key part of their identity, Kim wants to create an environment where his team can enjoy such lighthearted, memorable moments while striving for success together.

The happiness of being appreciated

Speaking with SPOTV News, Kim Sang Sik revealed the unexpected joy he has experienced in Vietnam since leading the team to the ASEAN Cup title.

"When I took a taxi, the driver refused to take my fare. At a café, they gave me free drinks. People congratulated me and the team for our hard work and the well-deserved victory. When I walk down the street, everyone recognizes me and calls my name. It’s such a wonderful feeling."

Proud words about Vietnam’s players

According to SPOTV News, Kim Sang Sik spoke about his players with immense pride, almost as if he were a father praising his children.

"Vietnamese players have excellent physical fitness. Even when following training programs similar to those in South Korea, they keep up remarkably well. The entire team trains hard and recovers quickly. They are much stronger than I had expected.

Before the tournament, we held a training camp in the freezing cold of South Korea. Despite the harsh conditions, none of the players got sick or caught a cold. The team performed even better than I had hoped."

Looking beyond the ASEAN Cup 2024

Kim Sang Sik believes Vietnam should aim higher after their ASEAN Cup triumph, with the next goals being qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and even the FIFA World Cup.

"We will continue working hard to bring more joy to our fans. I believe that if we maintain our strong form in the coming years, the team will gain even greater support.

Qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup is our dream. But to turn it into reality, we need more than just the team’s efforts. Vietnamese football must nurture and develop young talents while also embracing the naturalization of players, a trend seen worldwide."

Lam Hoang