Coach Kim Sang-sik: 'The championship is just the beginning of future goals'

On the evening of January 5, the Vietnam team defeated Thailand with a score of 3-2, thereby winning with a total score of 5-3 after two matches. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team deservedly won the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship.

Speaking after the match, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "This victory is historic. The match was difficult but thanks to the support of all the Vietnamese people, we were able to win. I thank all the players for not giving up and fighting to the end. They really worked hard.

I have won the K-League before, but that was at the club level. With the national team, this is the first time I have experienced this feeling. As a club coach, I also won many victories, but the championship with the national team means a lot to the coach."

Despite winning the ASEAN Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed that this is just the beginning for the Vietnamese team. He said: "We have completed the first goal. Ahead of the Vietnamese team is the final qualifying round of the Asian Cup and the SEA Games at the end of the year. I am excited and will consider the tournaments as a new beginning with Vietnam."

In the 3-2 win over Thailand, Tuan Hai scored a double. Explaining why he "abandoned" this player throughout the tournament but unexpectedly used him in the second leg of the final, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "I can only prepare for each match, aiming for victory. Tuan Hai has many opportunities to enter the field, but it depends on each moment.

He trained hard, and I said he would have a chance. The final was that chance. Thanks to Tuan Hai, and a bit of luck, but thanks to him we scored important goals in the final."

Regarding the Thai player's "ghost goal", coach Kim Sang-sik said: "I think it was not a worthy goal. I am disappointed with that. Fortunately, my players were not affected or discouraged"./.