Coach Kim Sang-sik is determined to win 2-0 against Malaysia to get revenge and extend his unbeaten streak.
Despite having already secured qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup, coach Kim Sang-sik still aims for a 2-0 victory against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium to show his gratitude to the fans.
Coach Kim Sang-sik has set a target of a 2-0 victory against Malaysia in the final Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on the evening of March 31st. Although the Vietnamese team has already secured their qualification, the South Korean strategist affirmed that this is an important opportunity to "get revenge" and conduct a dress rehearsal for the 2026 ASEAN Cup campaign.
Determined to reclaim the debt of honor
During a press conference on the afternoon of March 30th, coach Kim Sang-sik frankly recalled the 0-4 defeat in the first leg. Although the AFC later ruled against Malaysia 0-3 due to the violation of using 7 naturalized players, the coach born in 1976 still considered the rematch at Thien Truong Stadium an opportunity to regain face.
"The feeling of losing 0-4 on the field is a difficult experience to accept. Tomorrow's match is an opportunity for the Vietnamese players to avenge their honor and express their gratitude to the fans who have always supported the team," the South Korean strategist emphasized.
Maintaining their strength with a 16-match unbeaten streak.
The Vietnamese national team enters this match in incredibly impressive form. According to statistics, coach Kim Sang-sik's team boasts a streak of 12 consecutive wins in the region. Even more remarkably, since their defeat against Thailand in September 2024, the Vietnamese team has maintained an unbeaten streak of 16 matches, including 14 victories.
In response to Malaysia's ambition for revenge and to restore their reputation after behind-the-scenes controversies, Mr. Kim expressed confidence: "The whole team is ready and well-prepared. I hope the Vietnamese team will win with a score of 2-0."
A stepping stone to the ASEAN Cup and Asian Cup 2027.
The match on the evening of March 31st is not just a formality but also a crucial test for coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical system. With a relaxed mindset and the enthusiastic support of the home crowd, the Vietnamese team is expected to showcase an attractive attacking style of play to conclude the qualifying round convincingly.
This is considered an important warm-up match for the team as they aim for bigger goals: the ASEAN Cup 2026 and the Asian Cup 2027 finals in Saudi Arabia. With a stable squad and high morale, securing all three points at Thien Truong Stadium is entirely within the reach of the "Golden Star Warriors".