Defender Pham Xuan Manh kissed coach Kim Sang-sik's black shirt after the victory over Indonesia in the fourth round of Group A at the ASEAN Cup 2026, held at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor on 3/8.

During his three years with Vietnamese football, coach Kim's successes have largely been linked to his black shirt. He even wore only a black polo shirt throughout the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship campaign, then led the team to the U23 Southeast Asia 2025 title and a gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. In the U23 Asia 2026 tournament, Vietnam lost 3-0 to China in the semifinals but later drew 2-2 with South Korea and won on penalties in the bronze medal match.

In this year's ASEAN Cup, coach Kim wore a black shirt in the opening match, a 7-0 victory over Timor Leste on 24/7. A week later, he opted for a white shirt and witnessed Vietnam draw 0-0 with Singapore at My Dinh Stadium.

At the press conference before the Indonesia match, the 50-year-old coach mentioned that he had heard fans say the white shirt did not bring luck. Consequently, he reverted to using the black shirt for this game.

Before this match, Vietnam was in a difficult position, having secured only four points from two games. The national team needed a win, or at least a scoring draw on Indonesian soil, to keep their hopes of advancing alive. From the start of the match, coach Kim was on the touchline in his familiar style, constantly shouting and instructing players.

With coach Kim's effective pressing strategy and sensible starting lineup adjustments, Vietnam completely controlled the game. The national team even scored two goals within the first 15 minutes, courtesy of Van Vi and Hai Long. The 50-year-old coach's expression gradually relaxed as a result.

For this match, coach Kim surprised many by benching naturalized duo Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen, along with captain Nguyen Quang Hai. Players given a chance to start, such as Hai Long, Pham Le Thanh Long, and Bui Hoang Viet Anh, all performed their duties admirably.

Nevertheless, coach Kim remained restless as he witnessed his players being fouled multiple times. Pictured is the moment he ran out of the technical area to react after Hai Long was subjected to a rough foul in the second half.

After the match, despite his delight with the victory, coach Kim did not forget to cross to Indonesia's technical area to greet his counterpart, John Herdman. The Indonesian coach gave a thumbs-up, seemingly expressing admiration for Vietnam's strategy in the match.

Born in 1975, Herdman is renowned globally. He is the first coach to lead both a country's men's and women's teams to World Cup qualification (Canada). Consequently, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) made significant efforts to recruit Herdman after failing to achieve World Cup objectives with Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert.

Coach Kim showed empathy by encouraging goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. Once a hero in U23 Southeast Asia and Asia tournaments, the HAGL goalkeeper has not had a chance to play in this year's tournament. The starting spot currently belongs to Patrik Le Giang, who has not conceded any goals in three matches. The national team also has another reserve goalkeeper, Dang Van Lam.

Coaching staff members and players applauded to thank the Vietnamese fans who traveled to Indonesia to support the national team. Following this match, criticism directed at coach Kim and his team will likely subside.

Today, the national team will return to Hanoi to prepare for their final group stage match against Cambodia on 7/8. With seven points, similar to Singapore, coach Kim and his players are almost certainly through to the semifinals as Group A winners.

Duc Dong