Vietnamese football is experiencing a significant transformation with impressive achievements, particularly following the victory at the 2024 AFF Cup. Under the leadership of Coach Kim Sang Sik, the national team has established its regional dominance and is now aiming for greater international success. This article will analyze changes in team management, notable achievements, and key goals for 2025.
Changes in Team Management
Coach Philippe Troussier had bold ideas to rejuvenate the Vietnamese national team. However, his methods did not yield the expected results. The team faced numerous challenges and was eliminated early from both the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Young players struggled under high-pressure competition, leading to disappointing losses.
Coach Kim Sang Sik has taken a different approach. He continues to focus on youth but combines them with experienced veterans. This strategy allows young players to learn and grow in a competitive yet supportive environment. The victory at the 2024 AFF Cup is a clear testament to this method’s success.
Fan enthusiasm returns to the Vietnamese national team (Photo: Do Minh Xuan).
Major Goals for 2025
Vietnamese football has set ambitious targets for 2025. On the international stage, the top priority is winning the men’s gold medal at the SEA Games. Currently, Vietnam holds the titles for the AFF Cup and the U23 Southeast Asia Championship. If successful at the SEA Games, Vietnamese football would simultaneously hold all major regional titles.
The organizers of the 2025 SEA Games have decided to lower the age limit for the men’s football competition from U23 to U22. This change could be advantageous for Vietnam, given the talent and abundance of young players.
The current lineup of the Vietnamese national team can compete through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers (Photo: Thanh Dong).
Long-Term Plans for Vietnamese Football
Deputy General Secretary of VFF Tran Anh Tu shared, “The goal for Vietnamese football in the coming years is to qualify for the third round of World Cup 2030 qualifiers.” To achieve this, Coach Kim Sang Sik has built a stable team capable of competing for several years.
Additionally, improving the quality of domestic competitions like the V-League, first division, and national cup, as well as youth leagues, is crucial for sustainable development. Coach Kim Sang Sik closely follows these tournaments to identify and nurture any emerging talents.
Vietnamese football aims for significant achievements in 2025 (Photo: Tien Tuan).
Conclusion
Vietnamese football is on a promising trajectory with remarkable achievements and clear long-term plans. Under Coach Kim Sang Sik’s guidance, the national team has solidified its regional standing and is now targeting greater international success. 2025 promises to be a year full of challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese football to continue shining.
