After recording two victories over South Korean opposition from K League 3 and K League 2, Vietnam will face their strongest opponent of the training camp before returning home.

Vietnam opened the camp with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Siheung FC, a result that came as little surprise given that the hosts compete in South Korea's third division.

Beyond the scoreline, the match gave the coaching staff valuable insight into the team's tactical organization and the integration of several new faces, particularly the recently naturalized players.

Vietnam then defeated Yongin FC, a K League 2 club, 2-1 in what was regarded as a more demanding test. The match allowed head coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff to further assess the squad and refine the team's playing style ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Although they faced greater resistance than in the opening match, Vietnam secured victory thanks to goals from Hai Long and Xuan Son.

As in the first friendly, Kim Sang Sik rotated his squad extensively, with one of the notable tactical decisions being the deployment of what was considered a stronger lineup in the second half.

Gangwon FC present the biggest challenge

Vietnam's final match before returning home will be against Gangwon FC, a K League 1 club and the strongest opponent on the itinerary.

Gangwon are regular contenders near the top of South Korea's top flight and feature a squad of experienced domestic and foreign players. The club is known for its disciplined style of play, physical intensity and quick transitions.

The team currently sits third in the K League 1 standings with 27 points.

"This match will be the toughest yardstick for Vietnam to determine where they stand ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026," South Korea's Aju News wrote.

Against a much stronger opponent, Kim Sang Sik is expected to field what could be Vietnam's strongest lineup for the first time during the training camp.

The match is also likely to provide a far sterner examination for Vietnam's attack, which scored freely in the opening two games, while the defense is expected to come under sustained pressure.

Regardless of the result, Kim Sang Sik is primarily looking for valuable lessons that will help his team continue improving before beginning the defense of its ASEAN Cup title.

Kim Sang Sik still searching for his best Vietnam

Despite two consecutive victories, Kim Sang Sik has yet to reveal what he considers Vietnam's strongest lineup.

Vietnam have enjoyed a productive training camp in South Korea, scoring eight goals across wins over Siheung FC and Yongin FC. Hai Long and Xuan Son have been among the standout performers.

Based solely on the results, it might appear that Vietnam are close to finalizing their starting lineup for the ASEAN Cup. However, the reality is more complex.

Throughout the two matches, Kim Sang Sik consistently rotated his squad, giving numerous players opportunities to impress. Changes were made across the defense, midfield and attack, with several starters from the opening game either rested or limited to substitute appearances in the second.

The approach suggests the South Korean coach is not yet focused on establishing a fixed starting eleven. Instead, he continues to evaluate how individual players adapt under different match conditions.

More than anyone else, Kim Sang Sik understands that winning preseason friendlies is not the priority. His objective is to build a squad with enough tactical options to compete successfully at the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Competition for places remains intense

Since taking charge of Vietnam, Kim Sang Sik has regularly adjusted his starting lineup from one match to the next.

He has consistently encouraged competition within the squad, tested different tactical combinations and delayed final decisions until he has gathered sufficient evidence. The current training camp in South Korea is no exception.

The upcoming match against Gangwon FC will provide the closest simulation yet of the intensity and quality Vietnam are likely to face at the ASEAN Cup.

It remains possible that Kim Sang Sik will begin assembling the lineup he trusts most. Equally, he may continue experimenting with additional combinations before reaching a final decision. Either way, the South Korean coach appears determined not to reveal all of his tactical plans too early.

Although several players have strengthened their claims after two victories, none can yet be certain of a place in the starting lineup. That uncertainty may be exactly what Kim Sang Sik wants as he quietly prepares his team for the defense of the ASEAN Cup title.

Dai Nam - Duy Nguyen