Kim Sang Sik's FIFA ASEAN Cup mission: Beyond the trophy

The mission of Kim Sang Sik at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is not just to win trophies but to reassess the strength of the Vietnam national team. As a South Korean coach, he needs to find more solutions for matches against stronger opponents. This tournament provides a platform to experiment, helping Vietnam prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup. Although they won the ASEAN Cup, Vietnam still needs to prove their ability at the continental level. The current system of Vietnam has been effective regionally but may show weaknesses against higher-quality Asian opponents like Japan or South Korea. Using this tournament as a diagnostic environment allows the coach to adjust tactics more flexibly, avoiding over-reliance on easy wins against weaker teams. The venues in Indonesia will create significant psychological pressure, especially with local fans. Vietnam needs to maintain high concentration in the short period to avoid fatigue. The goal is not only the title but also to elevate the quality of national football, preparing for the long term.