The Vietnamese national soccer team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, won the ‘Southeast Asian Derby’ against Thailand and regained the top spot in Southeast Asian soccer for the first time in seven years.
The Vietnamese national soccer team defeated Thailand 3-2 in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (Mitsubishi Cup) final held at Ratchamankala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on the 6th. The Mitsubishi Cup is the largest soccer tournament in Southeast Asia, called the Southeast Asia World Cup, with 10 Southeast Asian countries participating.
Vietnam, which won 2-1 in the first game held on the 3rd at their home stadium, Vietnam’s Phu Tho Stadium, confirmed the championship with a final score of 5-3. With this, Vietnam rose to the top of the competition for the third time in total, seven years after the 2018 competition led by former coach Park Hang-seo.
Coach Kim, who took charge of the Vietnam national soccer team in May of last year, proved his worth by leading the team to victory in his first Mitsubishi Cup. In particular, they continued their undefeated streak (7 wins, 1 draw) through 8 games from the group stage to the final. There is an assessment that he has laid the foundation for a ‘long-term reign’ like former coach Park, who led the Vietnamese national team for six years.
Coach Kim Sang-sik, who appeared with the Vietnamese flag after the game, said, “Winning this tournament is historic. “We had to play a difficult and difficult game in a hot stadium, but we were able to win thanks to the support of our fans,” he said. “I am also grateful to all the players who worked hard and did not give up until the last moment. “I have won the K-League title before, but it really means a lot to lead the national team and win the title,” he said. Tuoi Tre, a local Vietnamese media outlet, also commented, “Coach Kim left a deep impression in this tournament with his unpredictable team composition and use of talent.”
On the other hand, the Thai national soccer team, led by Japanese coach Masatada Ishii, failed to challenge for the championship for the third time in a row and for the eighth time in total.
Reporter Kim Jeong-hoon [email protected]
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