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

The determination was set on the table right before the away match in Laos: coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized that the sole objective was victory, considering it a fitting conclusion to 2025. This statement came after a meeting on the morning of November 12th with the President of the Vietnam Football Federation, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, in Viet Tri (Phu Tho), where the national team is finalizing preparations for the second leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

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

During the meeting, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan praised the spirit and efforts of the players after a strenuous period of competition in the V-League, and acknowledged the professionalism of the entire team in maintaining stable physical condition and performance. He emphasized that the national team needs to maintain the highest level of focus and determination for the remaining matches of the qualifying round, thereby keeping alive the opportunity to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.

According to the President of the Vietnam Football Federation, the upcoming matches are not only significant in terms of performance but also an important opportunity to improve the team's position in the FIFA rankings, enhance the team's brand, and create an advantage in future draws.

Commitment from the coaching staff: the sole objective is to win.

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

“The upcoming match against Laos is the last game of 2025, and we will do our best to bring complete joy to the fans.” This concise, clear message emphasizes discipline and focus – elements that were reiterated in the meeting room in Viet Tri.

Notable personnel: Nguyen Xuan Son returns.

In the November training camp, the Vietnamese national team welcomed back naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son. The Brazilian-born forward has fully recovered from his injury and is ready for the clash against Laos. His presence provides the coaching staff with more attacking options as the goal is to secure all three points.

The significance of the match against Laos: away game, pressure, and opportunity.

Playing away against Laos in the second leg of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, the Vietnamese national team faces a test that is both crucial for achieving results and directly impacting their FIFA ranking. Maintaining fitness and form – which has already been recognized – is fundamental to achieving victory.

From a mindset perspective, ending 2025 with a positive result aligns with the spirit the entire team has established: maximum focus and seizing opportunities. The message from the top management to the coaching staff and players is unified on one point: victory is the ultimate goal.

Key highlights

• On the morning of November 12th in Viet Tri (Phu Tho province), the President of the Vietnam Football Federation, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, met with and encouraged the Vietnamese national team.
• He praised the players' efforts after the intense V-League season; and urged them to maintain focus and determination in preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.
• The remaining matches present an opportunity to improve their position in the FIFA rankings, thereby enhancing the team's brand and gaining an advantage in the draw.
• Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the sole objective is victory; he views the match against Laos as the last game of 2025 and is determined to bring joy to the fans.
• Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son (of Brazilian origin) has recovered from injury and is ready for the away match against Laos.