After nearly two weeks of training in Hanoi, Vietnam departed for a key training camp in South Korea, running from July 2 to 14. The camp marks a decisive stage in preparations carefully planned by Kim Sang Sik and his coaching staff as they gear up for the defence of the ASEAN Cup title.

Through daily training sessions and three high-quality friendlies in South Korea, the coaching staff will continue evaluating the squad, assessing each player's form and finalising the team's tactical setup for the regional championship.

Vietnam's opponents represent progressively tougher tests. On July 5, Xuan Son and his teammates will face Siheung FC of the K League 3. Three days later, they meet Yongin FC from the K League 2 before concluding the camp against K League 1 side Gangwon FC on July 13, widely regarded as the most demanding test before returning home.

The increasing level of difficulty across the three matches is designed to help Kim Sang Sik conduct tactical experiments and identify his strongest lineup before the final rehearsal against Myanmar on July 18, after which he will confirm the final 23-man squad.

Every player will have the opportunity to impress the coaching staff. Competition for places is fierce as everyone aims to secure a spot at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Southeast Asia's premier football tournament, held every two years.

The nearly two-week camp should provide enough time for Kim Sang Sik to evaluate every aspect of the team. Having focused heavily on physical conditioning during June in Hanoi, the coach intends to place tactical refinement at the centre of this overseas camp.

Vietnam have adopted a preparation plan similar to that used before the 2024 ASEAN Cup. At the time, some questioned the decision to train in South Korea despite competing in Southeast Asia, but Kim Sang Sik's side went on to win the tournament convincingly.

The same approach has been taken this time. The Vietnam Football Federation's technical department and Kim Sang Sik carefully selected K League opponents capable of providing the right level of challenge for Hoang Hen and his teammates.

Another important objective during the three friendlies is improving chemistry within a squad that now includes several newly naturalised players alongside promising young talents. To successfully defend their ASEAN Cup crown, the Golden Star Warriors must continue improving in every department.

Dai Nam