Just a few months after taking charge of the Vietnam national team in May 2024, Kim Sang-sik has orchestrated a remarkable transformation. From a squad that once looked fragile and short on belief, the Korean coach has rebuilt it into a genuine winning machine.

Since the defeat to Thailand in a friendly on September 10, 2024, Vietnam have gone on an unprecedented run of 17 official matches without defeat. Fifteen victories within that stretch stand as a powerful testament to the team’s consistency and efficiency in both approach and execution.

This impressive run has not only delivered an emotional ASEAN Cup title and secured qualification for the Asian Cup, but also propelled “The Golden Star Warriors” rapidly up the FIFA rankings, now sitting 98th, just behind Thailand at 93rd.

What is still missing to grow stronger

Fans have every reason to celebrate the victories and records. Yet from a professional standpoint, if Vietnam are to truly break beyond their current ceiling, two critical elements remain absent: high-quality opponents and the readiness to learn from meaningful defeats.

The reality is difficult to ignore. Most of the teams defeated during this unbeaten run have been of a lower level. Aside from Thailand, opponents such as Laos, Nepal and Cambodia have not provided the level of challenge needed to fully test Kim Sang-sik’s side. Comfortable wins can build confidence, but they offer limited tactical or developmental value.

Vietnam may continue extending their winning streak and even dominate the upcoming ASEAN Cup, but such achievements may largely carry emotional significance rather than contributing to long-term growth.

To truly improve, Vietnam must step out of their comfort zone. They need to actively seek stronger opponents, embrace high-intensity matches, and accept that defeat can be part of progress. At times, a well-timed loss offers far more value than an easy victory. That is the foundation for refinement, development, and ultimately, the ambition to compete at a higher continental level.

Duy Nguyen