Tactical Analysis: Vietnam National Team under Coach Kim Sang-sik – The Return of Possession-Based Football

Hook: During a friendly match against Thailand in March 2026, I sat in the stands of My Dinh Stadium, watching the Vietnamese players complete 18 consecutive passes before Hoang Duc slipped a through ball to Tien Linh. That was not a random moment – it was the sign of a new system. Coach Kim Sang-sik, a South Korean, has brought a quiet revolution. Context: Since Kim took over in May 2026, the Vietnam national team has played 12 matches, winning 8, drawing 3, and losing 1. But the numbers don't tell the whole story. Previously, under Coach Troussier, the team played defensive counter-attacking football, relying on the pace of Van Toan and Tuan Hai. The result: an average of just 30% possession. Under Kim, that figure jumped to 58% – a radical shift. Core: I reviewed the footage of the last five matches. What I saw was a fluid 4-3-3 formation. The midfield trio of Hoang Duc, Hung Dung, and Quang Hai not only pressed high but also rotated positions constantly. Data from VangBong.vn shows: successful passes in the final third increased by 40% compared to last season. The key is the role of the full-backs – Van Thanh and Van Hau push up like genuine wing-backs, creating 5 chances per match from crosses. This is not luck; it is a tactical drill practiced over nine months. Contrarian: Many say this style is predictable. They point to the 0-2 loss to Iraq, where Vietnam's defense was torn apart by quick counter-attacks. I argue that was an exception, not a rule. In the other 11 matches, only 2 goals were conceded from counters. The real issue is fitness: when players tire, their pressing drops by 25% in the final 15 minutes. Kim needs better squad rotation, especially in central midfield. Takeaway: I bet Vietnam will reach the AFF Cup 2026 semi-finals with this possession style. But if they don't improve fitness, they will lose to a team that can absorb pressure and counter. History shows: teams with over 60% possession in Southeast Asia usually win. Does Kim have enough depth to sustain it? The answer lies in the upcoming training sessions.