hlv kim sang sik.jpg
Coach Kim Sang Sik addresses the press after Vietnam’s 1-1 draw with the Philippines.

Vietnam’s national football team secured a crucial 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their third Group B match of the 2024 AFF Cup. Despite trailing for much of the game, a late header by Doan Ngoc Tan rescued a point, keeping Vietnam at the top of their group and firmly in contention for the semifinals.

Coach Kim Sang Sik made significant changes to the lineup, rotating nine players from the squad that defeated Indonesia in the previous match. However, the new setup struggled to create opportunities in the first half and fell behind to a goal by the hosts.

“It was a very difficult match as expected,” said Kim Sang Sik. “We couldn’t create many chances in the first half, but the players kept fighting. In the second half, we made some adjustments and pushed harder after conceding. The late equalizer shows the incredible effort and spirit of the entire team.”

Vietnam’s equalizer came in the dying moments of the game, when Doan Ngoc Tan capitalized on a mistake by the opposing goalkeeper to head home from close range. The goal earned Vietnam a vital point and left them leading Group B with 7 points, 3 points ahead of Indonesia and Myanmar.

doan ngoc tan.jpg
Doan Ngoc Tan’s late header secures a valuable point for Vietnam. (Photo: John Mauricio)
 

Speaking about the performance, Kim Sang Sik described the draw as a “remarkable achievement” given the team’s perseverance and adaptability. “The players never gave up. Scoring in the final moments is a testament to their determination,” he said.

Kim also expressed regret over a denied penalty early in the match when Van Thanh was brought down in the box. “I believe we should have been awarded a penalty in that situation,” he said. “But in the end, the team’s relentless effort was rewarded.”

Kim explained his decision to overhaul the lineup, citing the demanding schedule. “The packed fixtures affect the players’ physical condition, so rotations were necessary,” he said. “Despite the changes, the team fulfilled their roles effectively.”

Vietnam now heads into their final group-stage match needing only a draw at home against Myanmar to secure the top spot in Group B.

Speaking about the performance, Kim Sang Sik described the draw as a “remarkable achievement” given the team’s perseverance and adaptability. “The players never gave up. Scoring in the final moments is a testament to their determination,” he said.

Kim also expressed regret over a denied penalty early in the match when Van Thanh was brought down in the box. “I believe we should have been awarded a penalty in that situation,” he said. “But in the end, the team’s relentless effort was rewarded.”

Kim explained his decision to overhaul the lineup, citing the demanding schedule. “The packed fixtures affect the players’ physical condition, so rotations were necessary,” he said. “Despite the changes, the team fulfilled their roles effectively.”

With seven points after three matches, Vietnam are yet to secure a spot in the semifinals, though they have more opportunities. In the final group stage match, they will face Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium on December 21. 

Dai Nam