From the U23 side to the national team, Vietnam boldly subdued the War Elephants on Thai soil. What was the decisive weapon in the hands of coach Kim Sang Sik?

The Thais began the year in bitterness

On January 5, 2025, Vietnam opened the year with the second leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final - now the ASEAN Cup - against Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium.

Although Tuan Hai struck early in the 8th minute to put Vietnam ahead 3-1 on aggregate, after a 2-1 first-leg win in Viet Tri, the men in red soon faced mounting adversity.

Minutes after Thailand equalised in the 28th minute, leading striker Nguyen Xuan Son suffered a serious injury and was forced off, sending anxiety across millions of Vietnamese fans. Yet the setback only seemed to harden the resolve of Kim Sang Sik’s side, sharpening both their composure and their hunger.

Even when they conceded a controversial goal in the 64th minute - a moment that would later haunt Supachok Sarachat - Vietnam kept their heads. Appeals to the referee went unanswered, but the players refused to lose focus.

Thailand’s own indiscipline proved costly. In the 74th minute, Weerathep Pomphan was sent off for a reckless foul on Van Thanh, leaving the hosts with ten men.

Just eight minutes later, Vietnam levelled at 2-2. Tuan Hai once again found the net after receiving a pass from Quang Hai, his curling effort deflecting off Pansa into the Thai goal.

The defining moment arrived in the final minute. With the Thai goalkeeper pushed forward, Hai Long unleashed a shot from midfield. The ball rolled inexorably into the empty net.

Vietnam won 3-2 on the night, 5-3 on aggregate, reclaiming Southeast Asia’s No. 1 position in the most emphatic fashion.

… and the humiliation continued at year’s end

Thailand hosted the 33rd SEA Games with ambitions of sweeping all football gold medals. Instead, they finished empty-handed, with both the men’s football and women’s futsal titles going to Vietnam.

In the men’s tournament, Thailand bowed once more to Kim Sang Sik’s squad. The SEA Games featured U22 teams, though Vietnam’s lineup largely mirrored the U23 group that later impressed at the AFC U23 Championship.

And once again at Rajamangala - where Thailand had previously lost only twice, both to Vietnam in 2008 and 2025 - history repeated itself. Vietnam staged another remarkable comeback to seize the gold medal.

Trailing by two goals, Kim Sang Sik’s players mounted an extraordinary second-half revival. Dinh Bac earned and converted a penalty early after the break. Ly Duc’s aerial duel forced a Thai own goal, restoring parity at 2-2.

In extra time, Vietnam’s character shone brightest. In the 95th minute, Thanh Nhan capitalised on a defensive lapse to put Vietnam ahead 3-2.

Thailand could find no response. Rajamangala once again turned into a sea of red celebration.

The weapon behind Vietnam’s twin triumphs

Across Southeast Asia, the consensus was clear: Vietnam had grown too strong. Experts in Indonesia and Malaysia, and even voices within Thailand, acknowledged that both squads under Kim Sang Sik had surpassed the War Elephants.

The early 2026 AFC U23 Championship further underlined that rise, as Vietnam secured convincing victories and an impressive bronze medal.

What, then, is the defining weapon of both the U22 - effectively U23 - and the senior national team? Kim Sang Sik himself points to the difference: an unwavering fighting spirit for the national colours, steadfast belief, and composure that lasts until the final whistle.

Individually, Vietnamese players may not always outshine their rivals. Collectively, however, they form a cohesive, disciplined unit bound by shared pride. Playing for the flag on their chest has become their greatest strength.

Beyond tactical acumen and astute squad management, institutional coordination has also played a role. Football authorities and clubs worked in unison to ensure optimal preparation for the national teams. In contrast, Thai clubs were reluctant to release players.

Even Korean media outlets have expressed admiration - not only for Vietnam’s irreproachable fighting spirit but also for their tactical maturity, defensive organisation and growing potency from set pieces. It is little surprise that Kim Sang Sik and his players have received a cascade of praise.

Lam Hoang