The 'hidden trump card' of Coach Kim Sang Sik at the U23 Asian Championship finals

U23 Vietnam is moving into the crucial final stage of preparation for the U23 Asian Championship, showing many encouraging indicators, both in training intensity and in Coach Kim Sang Sik’s approach to team formation.

Besides the familiar core players who regularly start matches, the Korean strategist has important backup options capable of changing the course of the game when necessary.

One notable name for this role is striker Thanh Nhàn. Although rarely appearing in the starting lineup, every time he is brought on, the player from PVF-CAND club leaves a strong impression. At SEA Games 33, Thanh Nhàn scored crucial goals continuously. From a free kick in stoppage time during the semifinal against U23 Philippines to a goal in extra time in the final against U23 Thailand, all came when the opponents were fatigued and their defense showed gaps.

The way Thanh Nhàn is used clearly reflects Coach Kim Sang Sik’s philosophy. He prioritizes exploiting the player’s speed, technique, and ability to create breakthroughs at moments when the opponents are least prepared. When defenders are tired and unable to maintain full concentration, Thanh Nhàn’s bursts of speed become a real threat.

Besides Thanh Nhàn, Bùi Vĩ Hào is another strategic option. Known for his speed, close ball control, and good finishing skills, Vĩ Hào was once considered one of the most promising young forwards in Vietnamese football. He played a significant role in the national team’s AFF Cup 2024 victory.

However, an injury earlier this year prevented Vĩ Hào from reaching his best form, causing him to gradually lose his starting spot in the U23 team. Nevertheless, this does not mean he has become less important. On the contrary, as a strategic substitute, Vĩ Hào can make a difference when brought on in the second half, especially against defenses beginning to show signs of fatigue.

Having multiple surprising attacking options helps U23 Vietnam increase their chances of competing strongly on the Asian stage. When opponents focus on studying the starting lineup, substitutes can become decisive weapons that disrupt previous tactical plans.

With thorough preparation and carefully planned secret cards, U23 Vietnam is showing that they are not just here to gain experience, but are also ready to cause surprises against strong regional rivals.