New signal brings hope for the Vietnam national team

Although a 6-0 win against a K-League 3 side cannot fully prove the team's real power, the activities on the training pitch in South Korea have provided plenty of encouraging signs.

The important thing is not the big scoreline, but the way new faces showed their desire to prove themselves, howCoach Kim Sang Sikboldly experimented with various personnel options and how the team is gradually forming a new look ahead of the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

The Vietnam national teamentered the training camp in South Korea with higher expectations than previous gatherings. It is not only a period to refine tactics, but also a time for the Korean coach to find pieces that can make a difference.

The 6-0 win over Siheung FC therefore felt like a first test, where the veterans maintained stability while the newcomers began to make their voices heard.

Most notably, the performance of the players that fans have been waiting for. Hoàng Hên scored a brace, Xuân Sonleft his mark with an assist and energetic play in attack, while Tài Lộc also showed positive signs in his first integration with the team. These are all players who still have a lot to prove, but at least they have shown a desire to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

While Patrik Lê Giang is expected to enhance quality in goal, Tài Lộc brings another attacking option full of strength and experience. Hoàng Hên, after a long wait, has finally learned to make his mark with goals.

As for Xuân Son, he is perhaps the name receiving the most attention. After a season that was no longer as explosive as before, this striker entered the training camp determined to regain his scoring instinct.

WhatCoach Kim Sang Sikneeds at this moment is not a few individuals shining, but a deep squad. The mettle of a champion lies not in the 11 starters, but in the ability to rotate, change tactics, and maintain competitiveness throughout the tournament.

Giving opportunities to Tài Lộc, Lê Giang, Hoàng Hên, or young central defender Đinh Quang Kiệt is not only for experimentation, but also to create positive pressure on the core that once won Southeast Asia.

That competition will make the team stronger. Young players understand that they have a chance if they perform well. Conversely, the veterans cannot be complacent with their existing positions. This is precisely what Vietnamese football has been lacking for many years: real competition in every position.

The three friendly matches in South Korea are also arranged in increasing difficulty. After Siheung FC, they face Yongin FC of K-League 2 and Gangwon FC of K-League 1. Each opponent will be a different test, forcing the team to gradually raise the intensity and refine tactical execution. More importantly, Coach Kim Sang Sik will have more data to select the optimal lineup before the ASEAN Cup begins.

From another perspective, the schedule also gives a certain advantage to the Vietnam national team. The opening match against Timor Leste is the best possible opportunity for the defending champions to build momentum. The opponent is not highly rated, so the professional pressure will be lighter than facing contenders like Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia right away.