Coach Kim's despair as Vietnam misses chance to seal victory

Coach Kim Sang-sik displayed a mix of frustration and disappointment as midfielder Le Van Thuan squandered a golden opportunity during Vietnam's 2-1 win against the Philippines in the U23 Southeast Asian Championship semi-final on 25/7.

In the 78th minute at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Vietnam orchestrated a flowing move down the left flank. Viktor Le's through ball found Phi Hoang, who then delivered a perfect cross to striker Le Van Thuan. However, despite being just 6 meters out, the number 22 striker skied his shot, missing the chance to make it 3-1.

Thuan's missed opportunity in a one-on-one situation.

Kim's players didn't launch all-out attacks but occasionally built up play methodically down both flanks to penetrate the Philippines' layered defense. This approach yielded some opportunities, but Dinh Bac and Van Truong failed to capitalize. The woodwork also denied Vietnam twice.

Witnessing his player waste such a clear-cut chance after a well-worked move, coach Kim reacted with visible frustration on the sidelines. The South Korean coach ripped off and threw his accreditation card, then knelt down, lips pursed, staring at the pitch.

Had Thuan converted the opportunity, it would have given Vietnam a more comfortable cushion in the closing stages, while also boosting their attacking output. In the group stage, Vietnam had one of the lowest scoring rates in the tournament. Against the Philippines in the semi-final, Kim's team created numerous chances but continued to struggle with their finishing.

On the sidelines, coach Kim grew increasingly agitated as he watched his players miss chance after chance. When the referee made an unfavorable call against Vietnam in the 17th minute, the South Korean coach protested vehemently and received a yellow card.

Despite being the favorites, Vietnam started cautiously, focusing on a deep defensive line.

Coach Kim's frustration reached its peak shortly after when his team conceded a goal. The Philippines' attacks were simple but dangerous from throw-ins. In the 36th minute, Jian Caraig launched a powerful throw-in from the left. The ball was initially cleared, but the Philippines regained possession and took a long-range shot. A series of defensive errors by Vietnam then presented Mariona with the opportunity to control the ball and volley it past Trung Kien, giving the Philippines the lead.

Vietnam's wing play finally paid off again in the 54th minute. Phi Hoang's precise left-footed cross from the left wing found Xuan Bac (12), who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and head the ball into the top corner, leaving Guimaraes with no chance.

The Vietnamese players celebrated with their fans. This is the third consecutive time the team has reached the U23 Southeast Asian Championship final. However, given their poor finishing in previous matches, coach Kim has much to work on to help Vietnam defend their title.

The goal didn't unsettle Vietnam. They continued their patient attacks down the flanks, and their persistence was rewarded in the 41st minute. Khuat Van Khang's cross found Dinh Bac, whose header beat the goalkeeper but hit the post. The Nghe An-born striker reacted quickly to tap in the rebound and equalize.

Just a minute later, the 21-year-old striker had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot wide.

In the second half, the Philippines struggled to create chances, while Vietnam maintained their patient and measured approach. Their flowing wing play continued to create opportunities.

In the 52nd minute, Van Khang delivered another accurate cross from the left, finding Nguyen Cong Phuong, whose header forced a good save from goalkeeper Guimaraes.

With the lead, Vietnam retreated into a defensive posture, effectively neutralizing the Philippines' attacking efforts. They also created several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities, but Khuat Van Khang, Viktor Le, and Le Van Thuan all failed to convert.

Post-match statistics revealed that Vietnam had 20 shots, with three on target and two goals. This is a concerning statistic for coach Kim ahead of the final.

Despite his frustration, coach Kim Sang-sik approached Le Van Thuan after the match, offering words of encouragement and comfort.

The Thanh Hoa player was recently named the best young player in the V-League and was a late call-up to the squad, replacing the injured Nguyen Thanh Nhan.