Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'Vietnam national team wants to score many goals against Malaysia'

Coach Kim Sang Sik confirmed that the Vietnam national team will not be careless even though they have a 2-0 lead over Malaysia from the first leg. The South Korean tactician sets the goal of securing another victory and netting multiple goals in the second leg at My Dinh Stadium.

"We have an advantage after beating Malaysia 2-0 away, but we cannot afford to be complacent in the return leg. Through video reviews and the final training session, I want the players to correct the areas that were not good," Coach Kim Sang Sik shared.

The head coach of the Vietnam national team also expects that the support of a large crowd will give his players extra strength.

"I know there will be many fans coming to My Dinh Stadium to cheer for the Vietnam national team. I hope the supporters will always stand by the team in every match.

Some opinions suggest that the Vietnam national team plays better away than at home, but for me, that is nothing special. We take the field in every match with the aim of winning. Playing at My Dinh, I and the players want to score many goals to bring joy to the fans."

On the technical side, Coach Kim Sang Sik noted that the Vietnam national team needs to improve control of the flanks based on what happened in the first leg.

"Malaysia created many dangerous situations from the wings, especially with players number 13 (Sumareh) and number 21 (Pavithran). We will prepare additional attacking options to score more goals, while limiting the opponent's danger on the flanks."

Coach Kim Sang Sik also assessed that the training camp in South Korea before the tournament had a positive effect.

"I always tell the players that we are a united team. I want the fans, not only in Vietnam but also in South Korea, to feel that."

Meanwhile, defender Pham Xuan Manh affirmed: "The goal of the Vietnam national team in every match is to win. The whole team is determined to beat Malaysia once again to secure a place in the final."

The Vietnam national team has one foot in the final of the ASEAN Cup 2026 after defeating Malaysia 2-0 away in the first leg of the semi-finals. This is also the 23rd unbeaten match for Coach Kim Sang Sik since taking charge of the team from October 2024 to date.