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For virtually the entire 90 minutes of the ASEAN Cup 2026 second-leg final between Vietnam and Thailand, Kim Sang Sik remained on his feet, constantly directing his players from the touchline.
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Vietnam endured an extremely difficult match.
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The mood changed dramatically when Thailand's Wanchai Jarunongkran, racing back in an attempt to defend, inadvertently sent the ball into his own net beyond the helpless Chatchai Budprom.
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Vietnam had found the equaliser in the dying seconds, and Kim's emotions erupted as the score became 2-2.
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After the final whistle, Kim carried the Vietnamese and South Korean flags as he walked toward the stands to thank the supporters.
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Since succeeding Park Hang Seo at the helm, Kim has now won four titles with Vietnam's national teams.
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His players hoisted the South Korean coach into the air during the celebrations.
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Kim also entered Vietnamese football history by becoming the first coach to lead the national team to consecutive ASEAN Cup championships.
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He then produced another unexpected moment, carrying Dinh Bac on his back as the young forward made his way to collect an individual award.
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The coach, born in 1976, also posed for photographs with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the trophy celebrations.
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But perhaps the image that best captured the intensity of the night came at the final whistle, when Kim sank to the ground, physically and emotionally drained. 

"When the match ended, I collapsed. I felt as though I had no strength left because the game had been so tense," Kim said. "I think all the emotions came pouring out and I finally felt a sense of release. There are difficult moments in life, but what matters is that we overcome them together."

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For Kim, successfully defending the ASEAN Cup was above all a tribute to his players.

"Winning the championship twice in a row is a tremendous achievement built on the players' relentless dedication," he said. "Vietnamese football will continue to develop, and I hope I can contribute even more."

Dai Nam