According to Mr. Duong Vu Lam, regional football powers, particularly Thailand and Indonesia, are eager to settle scores with Vietnam after witnessing us surpass them to win the 2024 AFF Cup.
The 2025 SEA Games 33 will be an ideal opportunity for Thailand and Indonesia to reclaim their pride from the AFF Cup. However, if the U22 Vietnamese team is well-prepared, we have a strong chance of winning the SEA Games.
2025 is also a pivotal year for Vietnam’s long-term football goals, such as the 2027 Asian Cup campaign and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. Former VFF Vice President Duong Vu Lam discussed this with reporters from Dan Tri.
Thailand is quite “hot under the collar” after losing to Vietnam at the 2024 AFF Cup (Photo: Tien Tuan)
After Regional Success Comes Aspirations for Greater Achievements
How do you evaluate the significance of the 2024 AFF Cup victory for Vietnamese football?
– In terms of achievements, winning the AFF Cup adds to Vietnam’s credentials. Specifically, our number of Southeast Asian championships has increased to three (2008, 2018, and 2024).
Morally, this victory boosts confidence across the entire football community. We believe that with proper investment and correct development strategies, success is attainable. The Vietnamese football community and players now have greater motivation following the AFF Cup triumph.
Moreover, the recent championship strengthens faith in Coach Kim Sang Sik’s abilities. This is crucial, allowing him more room to work effectively, much like the previous case with Coach Park Hang Seo.
Vietnamese football is buoyed by the 2024 AFF Cup victory (Photo: Huong Duong)
Regarding Coach Kim Sang Sik’s approach to building the team, what does it reflect?
– He consistently provides opportunities for young players during national team training camps. This reflects his focus on the 2025 SEA Games 33 and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
However, Coach Kim’s patience with young players depends not only on him but also on the overarching direction of the entire football system and the support from his superiors.
If the VFF prioritizes long-term development over short-term achievements, young players will gradually gain more opportunities to participate in international tournaments. I believe current VFF management is considering long-term plans for Vietnamese football.
Opportunities for Success at SEA Games
Does this mean young players will get more playing time in upcoming international tournaments, aiming for the SEA Games?
– This depends on the nature of each tournament and match. I believe Coach Kim Sang Sik will gradually introduce young players into appropriate matches. He has been doing this for some time, and with continued support from higher-ups, he will have more opportunities to implement this strategy.
Young talents like Buu Vi Hao (15) will increasingly be given chances to prepare for the SEA Games (Photo: Thanh Dong)
One of the top priorities for Vietnamese football in 2025 is the SEA Games 33 campaign. Do we have a good chance of winning this tournament?
– The opportunity lies with the U22 Vietnamese team. Vietnamese football boasts a promising pool of young players. Lowering the age limit for men’s football at the 2025 SEA Games 33 to U22, without allowing over-age players, benefits Vietnam.
First, it maximizes opportunities for young players, preventing them from being overshadowed by older, added players. Second, the current U22 age group in Vietnamese football is relatively balanced.
However, we must not underestimate Thailand and Indonesia, who are determined to settle scores with Vietnam at the SEA Games. As hosts, Thailand is highly motivated to secure gold. Indonesia, having already prepared its U22 squad for the AFF Cup, is also well-prepared for the SEA Games.
Leveraging International Resources While Focusing on Youth Development
With opponents preparing, should the U22 Vietnamese team consider reinforcements, including Vietnamese overseas players, sir?
– Reinforcements are always necessary. I believe Coach Kim Sang Sik will closely monitor domestic leagues to identify new talent for the U22 team. Overseas Vietnamese players will also be considered.
Domestic-trained players remain the primary resource for Vietnamese football (Photo: Thanh Dong)
However, among the overseas Vietnamese players introduced recently, none stand out or have significant experience in major European leagues before returning home.
Therefore, player selection must be done carefully. The core of the U22 Vietnamese team for the SEA Games 33 will likely still consist of domestically trained players.
We should explore all resources, but until we find truly quality overseas players, we must prioritize domestically trained talent, which remains the most stable source for Vietnamese football.
Another important tournament for Vietnamese football in 2025 is the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. What are our chances in these qualifiers?
– Vietnam has a great chance in the Asian Cup qualifiers. Our strongest competitor in Group F is Malaysia. I’ve heard Malaysia is considering naturalized players to compete against Vietnam, but this approach is risky for Malaysian football.
First, the Football Association of Malaysia lacks a president with both extensive international connections and substantial financial backing, unlike Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) President Erick Thohir. Finding suitable naturalized players for Malaysia is akin to a lottery.
They struggle to find players with genuine ties to Malaysia, unlike Indonesia. Additionally, Vietnam’s team is stronger than earlier in 2024, using more effective tactics and personnel, making it difficult for teams relying heavily on naturalized players to challenge us.
For the other two teams in Group F, Laos and Nepal, Vietnam significantly outmatches them. Thus, our chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals are very high.
Thank you for your insights!
