The Tactical Game: Vietnam Football's Unique Path Under Coach Kim Sang-sik

After the dramatic victory against Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Vietnamese fans once again reflect on the team's transformation under South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik. Unlike his predecessor Park Hang-seo, Kim brings a more modern philosophy, focusing on possession and high pressing. But does this really work for a football culture accustomed to counter-attacking defense? Since taking charge in early 2026, Kim Sang-sik has gradually reformed Vietnam's playing style. He has not hesitated to drop veteran players to give opportunities to young talents like Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Dinh Bac. This change raised questions about team stability. Data from early friendly matches shows Vietnam's possession rate increased from 42% to 56%, but goals conceded also rose significantly. This reflects a reality: the team is in transition, learning to control the game while making defensive mistakes. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the 2-1 win over Indonesia at My Dinh Stadium was a clear testament to progress. Statistics only tell half the story. From the stands, I noticed how the team's tactical structure has improved: midfielders moved flexibly, pressing from the opponent's half. Especially, Nguyen Hoang Duc's goal came from a triangle combination in the center – a rare sight under Park. However, what caught my attention was Kim Sang-sik's squad rotation. In the last three matches, he used five different line-ups. This is a double-edged sword: it makes the team unpredictable but also disrupts players' rhythm. I remained silent for three seasons amidst criticism about Vietnam's lack of identity. But now, with three cycles of data, I can assert: Vietnamese football is on the right track. The team's running stats in 2026 show a total distance increase of 8% per match, and transition counts from defense to attack increased by 12%. These numbers cannot be achieved without a clear tactical system. Numbers only tell half the story; the other half lies on the pitch – where the players have performed with a different spirit. However, not everything is perfect. Vietnam's biggest weakness remains set-piece defense. In the match against Iraq, we conceded from a corner kick – a recurring error. Coach Kim needs to find a solution, because at major tournaments, small details decide success. I watch training videos and notice that set-piece defensive drills are still not prioritized. This is a missed signal. Another perspective: Vietnam's success should not be measured only by results. Looking at the development of young players and training academies like PVF and Hanoi FC, we see a solid foundation. Youngster Nguyen Dinh Bac, aged 20, already has 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 caps. That is a signal of a new generation. If we cling to defensive counter-attacking, talents like Bac will not thrive. Slow down a beat to read the game's rhythm – that's what Kim Sang-sik is doing, and I support that. In football, the often-forgotten things are the ones worth watching. Those who only look at scores will not see the change in tactical thinking. For me, Vietnam's recent unbeaten streak (4 wins, 2 draws) is more important than any temporary trophy. It shows long-term stability. That pressing looks good on paper, but falls apart without connection between lines. And I see that connection gradually forming. Looking ahead, the World Cup qualifiers are still long. Vietnam needs to improve finishing and defense. But if they maintain this pace, I believe the World Cup ticket is not a distant dream. The 2026-18 season taught me that pressing also needs humility – sometimes dropping deep to wait for an opportunity is wise. Kim Sang-sik has shown that flexibility in matches. What I am waiting for now is whether he has the courage to maintain his philosophy under pressure for results. The answer will shape the future of Vietnamese football.