Coach Kim Sang-sik determined to beat Laos, aiming for a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup

The determination was put on the table right before the away trip to Laos: coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized the only goal is victory, considering this a complete closure for 2025. The statement came after a meeting on the morning of November 12 with the President of the Vietnam Football Federation, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, in Viet Tri (Phu Tho), where the team is completing preparations for the second leg of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.

Message from Vietnam Football Federation: focus, results and FIFA scores

During the meeting, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan praised the players' spirit and efforts after a stressful period of competition in the V-League, and acknowledged the professionalism of the whole team in maintaining stable physical strength and form. He emphasized that the team needs to maintain the highest concentration and determination for the remaining matches of the qualifying round, thereby nurturing the opportunity to win a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.

The upcoming matches, according to the President of the Vietnam Football Federation, are not only significant in terms of achievements but also an important opportunity to improve the position on the FIFA rankings, contributing to enhancing the team's brand and creating an advantage in the draw ceremonies.

Commitment from the coaching staff: the only goal is to win

On behalf of the coaching staff and the entire team, coach Kim Sang-sik thanked Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan for his care and support. The 48-year-old coach affirmed the spirit of the Vietnamese team on the field: aiming for victory in all circumstances.

“The upcoming match against Laos is the last match in 2025, we will try our best to bring complete joy to the fans”. The message is short, clear, promoting discipline and concentration – factors that were reiterated in the meeting room in Viet Tri.

Notable personnel: Nguyen Xuan Son returns

In the November training session, the Vietnamese team welcomed the return of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son. The Brazilian striker has fully recovered from his injury and is ready for the match against Laos. His presence creates more attacking options for the coaching staff in the context of the goal of three full points.

The meaning of the match with Laos: away field, pressure and opportunity

Visiting Laos in the second leg of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, the Vietnamese team entered a test that was both an achievement and directly impacted their FIFA score. Maintaining fitness and form – which has been recognized – is the foundation for realizing the goal of victory.

From a mental perspective, ending 2025 with a favorable result is in line with the spirit that the whole team has established: maximum concentration and seizing opportunities. The message from the top to the coaching staff and players is consistent on one point: victory is the destination.

Key highlights

• On the morning of November 12 in Viet Tri (Phu Tho), President of the Vietnam Football Federation, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, met and encouraged the Vietnamese team.
• He praised the players' efforts after a stressful V-League period; asked them to maintain focus and determination towards the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.
• The remaining matches are an opportunity to improve the position on the FIFA rankings, thereby enhancing the team's brand and draw advantage.
• Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the only goal is to win; consider the match against Laos as the last match of 2025 and determined to bring joy to the fans.
• Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Brazilian origin) has recovered from injury and is ready for the away match against Laos.