Kim Sang Sik is steadily engraving his name into the history of Vietnamese football, not only for his tactical expertise but also for the fearless mentality his teams embody.

The latest pinnacle of his success came with the SEA Games 33 gold medal, secured after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Thailand on their home turf. This wasn’t just a win - it was a bold declaration of the new power in regional football.

Trailing 0-2 after a disastrous first half, Vietnam’s U22 team faced a formidable test. But Kim Sang Sik’s halftime decisions proved to be game-changing.

Adjustments in personnel and tactical approach swung the momentum entirely. Dinh Bac rekindled hopes with a penalty conversion, and unrelenting pressure led to an own goal by the Thai defense, leveling the score.

In extra time, Thanh Nhan emerged as the hero, finishing a loose ball with composure to seal a dramatic and emotional comeback at Rajamangala Stadium.

The SEA Games 33 title marks Kim Sang Sik’s third major trophy with Vietnam in 2025, following triumphs at the AFF Cup in January and the U23 Southeast Asian Championship in July.

Even more impressively, he has maintained a perfect win record in official matches throughout the year. From the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers to regional championships, Vietnamese squads under Kim have moved with remarkable consistency.

This streak of achievements has not only brought silverware but also forced regional rivals to respect Vietnam’s growing supremacy.

Following the victory, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) awarded the U22 team a hot bonus of 1 billion VND (approximately 41,000 USD). Philanthropist Pham Hoanh Son, chairman of Ha Tinh FC, contributed another 1 billion VND, while a sponsor added 500 million VND. Altogether, the team received 2.5 billion VND (about 102,500 USD) in bonuses for their efforts.

U22 Vietnam is scheduled to return home from Bangkok at 15:55 on December 19, arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi after a two-hour flight. Following a short break, the squad will regroup and head to Qatar for training in preparation for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship in Saudi Arabia.

South Korean media were effusive in their praise for Kim Sang Sik. SPOTV News celebrated his unprecedented achievement of winning three major titles in one calendar year, a feat even the revered Park Hang Seo did not accomplish.

“The final against Thailand was thrilling. Despite being 0-2 down at halftime, Kim’s team never gave up. They equalized, then secured the win in extra time,” SPOTV wrote.

Joon Gang noted: “Kim Sang Sik continues to write history with Vietnamese football, ending 2025 with a dramatic SEA Games win over Thailand. He’s now the first coach to win the AFF Cup, U23 Southeast Asian Championship, and SEA Games in a single year.”

Sport Seoul emphasized the resilience shown: “After trailing by two goals, Vietnam turned the tide with a penalty from Dinh Bac, a lucky own goal, and a decisive strike by Thanh Nhan. Their defense held strong till the final whistle.”

Even Thai coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul acknowledged defeat: “It was my mistake - tactically and otherwise. We lost our midfielder Chonphat early, then conceded quickly in the second half. Vietnam had better fitness and took control.”

He admitted that his players were physically overwhelmed, especially those balancing club and national team duties: “I hoped the match would finish in 90 minutes. Once it went to extra time, Vietnam had the upper hand in stamina.”

Vietnam’s win, however, did not come without early mistakes. Coach Kim Sang Sik had initially retained the same starting lineup from the semifinal win against the Philippines - a decision that misfired against a fast, aggressive Thailand.

Viktor Le and Quoc Cuong struggled in midfield against the Thai press, lacking the grit needed in such a high-stakes final. The result was a Vietnamese midfield that couldn’t hold possession or protect the backline.

Thailand capitalized, scoring twice through Yotsakorn’s free-kick and Seksan’s long-range effort. Vietnam was fortunate not to concede more.

But Kim Sang Sik reacted decisively. Introducing Thai Son, Thanh Nhan, and Van Thuan flipped the momentum as Thailand began to tire and sit deeper.

The equalizer came after a sustained aerial assault. Vietnam pressed relentlessly until the Thai defense cracked, allowing the match to go into extra time. There, Thanh Nhan’s goal capped off a performance of high drama and determination.

Ultimately, the SEA Games 33 gold medal is a testament to many qualities: grit, leadership, squad depth, and Kim’s ability to rectify his missteps.

It was a victory born from imperfection, and that made it all the more unforgettable.

Emotional moment as U22 Vietnam wins SEA Games 33 gold medal

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s U22 Vietnam squad erupted in celebration after pulling off a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Thailand to secure the SEA Games 33 gold medal.

U22 Vietnam delivered one of the most emotional comebacks in the history of Southeast Asian youth football, overturning a 0-2 deficit in a breathtaking 120-minute final against hosts Thailand.

The match was filled with intensity from the outset. Thailand came out aggressively and quickly surged ahead with two goals in the first half, putting Vietnam in a precarious situation, both in terms of the scoreboard and the psychological pressure from the home crowd.

With the odds stacked against them, the Vietnamese players refused to surrender. Their resilience and fighting spirit came to life in the second half.

Tactical adjustments by coach Kim proved crucial. Key individual performances sparked a resurgence, allowing U22 Vietnam to equalize with two quick goals, sending the match into extra time.

As fatigue set in and mental fortitude was pushed to its limit, U22 Vietnam continued to push forward with unwavering belief. The decisive goal came in extra time, crushing Thailand’s hopes and completing a remarkable turnaround.

The 3-2 victory not only secured a prestigious gold medal but also affirmed the strength, ambition, and rising status of Vietnam’s youth football in the Southeast Asian arena.

PV