Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'Vietnam National Team Will Overcome the Pain of Losing to Thailand'

Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang Sik held a pre-match press conference ahead of the final group-stage match against Pakistan, with his team under heavy pressure following the defeat to Thailand. In his opening remarks, the South Korean strategist acknowledged the squad's disappointment after losing to their regional rival. He said: "We understand how the fans feel. The whole team is very sad, but football always gives us a chance to make things right. Vietnam will overcome this pain through our performance on the pitch." Regarding the objective against Pakistan, Coach Kim Sang Sik stated that Vietnam enters the match determined to take all three points. He emphasized: "We have no room for error. The goal is clear: win to improve our position and aim for the third-place match. This is a game where the whole team must show character." Vietnam currently has three points from two matches, with one win and one loss. The defeat to Thailand means the team's hopes of reaching the final are no longer in their own hands. Therefore, the Pakistan match is decisive for securing second place and a spot in the third-place playoff. Beyond tactical matters, Vietnam faces a personnel issue in the goalkeeper position. Goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik suffered an elbow injury and required two stitches. The coaching staff cannot yet confirm his availability. Coach Kim Sang Sik said: "We will have Patrik undergo thorough tests. He will be monitored today and tomorrow. I will consult with the goalkeeping coach before making a final decision. If Patrik is not fit, Trung Kien will be the backup option." Backup goalkeeper Trung Kien is seen as a contingency plan prepared in advance. Coach Kim Sang Sik publicly naming the replacement shows the staff is proactively handling unexpected situations while reducing pressure on the goalkeeper position. Regarding preparation, the Korean coach said the staff had thoroughly analyzed Pakistan's video. However, specific tactical details such as formation, pressing approach, or defensive organization were not disclosed. This is consistent with standard practice before official matches. One notable point in Coach Kim Sang Sik's remarks was his emphasis on team development. He said: "This is also a good opportunity for players to accumulate experience and mature. Matches like this are very valuable for the team's future." This statement suggests the coaching staff may rotate the squad, giving opportunities to less-capped players. However, this could conflict with the must-win objective against Pakistan. Experts assess that Coach Kim Sang Sik is balancing short-term results with long-term development direction. Public pressure is weighing heavily on Vietnam after the Thailand defeat. This was not just an ordinary loss but one with regional identity significance, as Vietnam and Thailand are the two biggest powers in Southeast Asia. Missing the final has disappointed fans, and Coach Kim Sang Sik is well aware of this. He spent much of the press conference thanking the fans. "I want to send my thanks to the supporters who came to the stadium and followed the team on television and social media. Your companionship is a great source of motivation. We apologize for not bringing complete joy, but the whole team will give our best for the colors of the flag." Coach Kim Sang Sik mentioning the fans twice shows awareness of the risk of a confidence crisis. With Vietnam still having the Pakistan match ahead, stabilizing morale and maintaining public support is a task no less important than tactical matters. Regarding the group situation, Vietnam needs a favorable result against Pakistan to secure second place. If successful, the team will enter the third-place match. This is considered a minimum objective to protect honor and maintain the team's commercial value. The third-place match is not the highest goal but holds significance for finances and rankings. Reaching this match helps Vietnam maintain media presence, enabling sponsors and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to continue leveraging brand value. If Vietnam fails to beat Pakistan, the team will be eliminated and the third-place objective will collapse. In that case, pressure on Coach Kim Sang Sik will increase significantly. Domestic media tends to react strongly to national team defeats, especially those involving Thailand. Some experts suggest Coach Kim Sang Sik's "accumulating experience" message could be seen as a media shield. If the Pakistan result is poor, the coaching staff can cite development factors to reduce criticism. This is a common communication management strategy in international football. On rules and regulations, Vietnam's goalkeeper situation does not create compliance risk. The coaching staff is following proper medical and professional procedures. Injury testing, monitoring, and consulting the goalkeeping coach are standard steps before making personnel decisions. However, if tournament rules restrict late goalkeeper changes, the "match-day decision" approach could cause some difficulties in squad management. This information has not been confirmed in Coach Kim Sang Sik's remarks. Overall, this is a difficult period for Vietnam. The team is in a must-win situation to save itself, while the squad shows instability in the goalkeeper position. The Thailand defeat has caused damage to morale and reputation, making the Pakistan match a focal point. Coach Kim Sang Sik is demonstrating centralized leadership. He does not avoid responsibility, publicly names contingency plans, and directly sends messages to fans. This is a positive signal for dressing-room stability, though on-field results remain the decisive factor. Vietnam's players are expected to show character against Pakistan. A victory would not only secure a third-place match berth but also somewhat ease the pain of losing to Thailand. Conversely, an unfavorable result would spread a confidence crisis. The match between Vietnam and Pakistan is seen as a test of the team's mental recovery. In football, overcoming defeat is sometimes as important as winning. Coach Kim Sang Sik understands this and is trying to convey a positive message to the whole team. Despite uncertainties about personnel and form, Vietnam is still rated higher than Pakistan in regional terms. The issue lies in match psychology and the ability to convert pressure into motivation. If they can do that, the team can win and continue their tournament journey. As Southeast Asian football becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining status against Thailand is a long-term challenge for Vietnamese football. The Pakistan match is just one link, but its result could affect development momentum and fan confidence in the coming period. In conclusion, the main message from Coach Kim Sang Sik is determination to overcome adversity. Vietnam will enter the Pakistan match with the goal of taking all three points, while viewing it as an opportunity for players to mature. Success or failure in this match will reshape the atmosphere around the team and Coach Kim Sang Sik's standing in the public eye.