Perfect results, yet an incomplete imprint

There is no denying that Kim Sang Sik has had a very successful year. The national team won the ASEAN Cup, the U23 squad triumphed at the Southeast Asian Championship, and the U22 team claimed gold at the SEA Games-a streak of victories impressive enough to turn early doubts into respect.

However, looking deeper into how those titles were achieved, the sense of tactical persuasion remains unclear. In those championships, the dominant themes seemed to be luck, determination, and the players’ fighting spirit, rather than decisive tactical adjustments from the South Korean coach.

The final of the ASEAN Cup is a typical example: Vietnam did not dominate play and at times were under heavy pressure, but survived thanks to composure and moments of individual brilliance.

Similarly, in the SEA Games 33 final, the U22 team was not the most technically superior side, but their grit and resilience carried them to victory. Such traits deserve admiration, yet they also underline why Kim Sang Sik’s tactical acumen is still questioned by analysts.

The real test awaits at the AFC U23 Asian Cup

It must be said that the upcoming U23 Asian Cup carries greater weight than just another tournament. For fans, results matter-but more than that, they want to see a different U23 Vietnam: a team that plays coherently, proactively, and shows signs of systematic growth built through a long-term process rather than short-lived regional success.

This is a stage where Vietnam can no longer rely purely on spirit or luck. The team will face U23 Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan-sides with superior physicality, tactical maturity, and international experience. Any lack of preparation will immediately be exposed.

The comfortable matches of Southeast Asia are gone. Instead, coach Kim Sang Sik will be constantly tested-forced to make precise choices, tactical tweaks, and in-game reads under pressure.

Yet this is also the moment he can truly affirm himself. Not necessarily by how far Vietnam advances, but by how clearly he can shape the team’s playing identity, optimize the lineup, and show that the U23 squad is on a steady, purposeful path toward competing with the continent’s best.

If he can achieve that-even without perfect results-Kim Sang Sik will earn genuine recognition. That would be far more meaningful than the regional titles that, up to now, still feel incomplete in defining his legacy with Vietnamese football.

Duy Nguyen