Coach Kim Sang-sik cautious before key match against Malaysia
Before the decisive match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, coach Kim Sang-sik said this was the most difficult challenge for the Vietnamese team, even though the team has the advantage in terms of head-to-head history and goal difference.
At noon on June 9, the press conference before the match between Vietnam and Malaysia officially took place in Kuala Lumpur.
The match is part of the second round, third qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup and is considered decisive in the race for tickets to the final round of Group F.
Speaking at the press conference, head coach of the Vietnam National Team, Mr. Kim Sang-sik emphasized the special importance of this match.
"This is the most important match of the year and also our most difficult challenge in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. If we want to win a ticket to the final round, Vietnam needs to make the most of its strengths and maintain solidarity," the Korean coach shared.
Although Vietnam currently has the advantage of temporarily leading Group F thanks to a superior goal difference (+5 compared to Malaysia's +2), Mr. Kim is still cautious. He said: "Football always has many unexpected factors, no matter how well we prepare. The final result still depends on how we play, we cannot be subjective no matter how well we understand our opponents."
Referring to Vietnam's outstanding head-to-head record, coach Kim said that history does not guarantee success in the present. He believes that the team's preparation and fighting spirit are the deciding factors in the outcome of the upcoming match.
Notably, Mr. Kim also recalled the impressive victory of the Southeast Asian All-Star team against Manchester United not long ago to prove the progress of regional football. "We did not have much time to prepare, nor did we know each other well, but we still won against Man Utd. That shows that Southeast Asian football can absolutely reach new heights."
Also attending the press conference, Captain Do Duy Manh expressed the team's confidence and determination to face the challenge at the "fire pit" of Bukit Jalil - the largest stadium in Southeast Asia. "This is the third time I have played at Bukit Jalil, and I understand the pressure from the audience here. We have prepared carefully both tactically and mentally to aim for a good match against Malaysia", the midfielder born in 1996 shared.
Duy Manh affirmed that the Vietnamese team is maintaining discipline and internal cohesion: "My teammates and I will follow the tactics set out by the coaching staff, focus on playing our best to complete the task."
The match between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place at 8pm on June 10 at Bukit Jalil Stadium. The result of this match is considered to have a great influence on the situation in Group F and the chances of both teams winning tickets to the 2027 Asian Cup finals./.
