Ngoc My confidently controls the ball under pressure from a Saudi Arabian player. Photo: AFC

*Vietnam - UAE: 22h Friday 16/1, on VnExpress.

Since the peak era under coach Park Hang-seo, Vietnamese national teams have shown remarkable growth in their psychological state and mindset when facing strong regional and continental opponents. Players no longer feel flustered or dejected after defeats, nor do they become overly euphoric after minor victories.

Two notable statistics emerged from Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the final match of Group A at the recent U23 Asian Cup 2026: ball possession and number of passes. Against an opponent that had no option but to seek a win and was considered stronger, coach Kim's players still maintained 40,6% possession and completed 349 passes, compared to Saudi Arabia's 500.

These statistics highlight Vietnam's confidence in approaching matches with an organized defensive strategy and a planned attack. While goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien made 7 outstanding saves, the team's performance on the evening of 12/1 demonstrated more than just resilience and mental strength, showing no fear of their opponents. It also proved that the Vietnamese players' footballing ability has reached a level that underpins their confidence.

The playing style based on a three-center-back system, which became part of the team's identity under Mr. Park, continues to be the foundation under Mr. Kim. This tactical bedrock contributes to the players' strong mentality.

Currently, the team is organized with a 5-4-1 defensive structure, protecting the spaces between the midfield and defensive lines, and securing the two wide angles of the defensive block. Coach Kim's players fully understand, embrace, and execute this structure, while the defensive line moves up and down seamlessly, maintaining an open body posture parallel to the touchline.

Vietnam would not be able to stand firm without discipline and well-drilled defensive plans. Defense is a skill, and it must stem from the players' abilities and rigorous training.

Good physical fitness helps Vietnamese players withstand Saudi Arabia's intense pressure. Photo: AFC

The current generation of young Vietnamese players, under coach Kim's guidance, also possesses the physical fitness required by professional standards, especially when playing without the ball and maintaining intensity until the 90th minute. In sports, before discussing technique or tactics, an athlete must have a professional-standard physique.

Speaking to VnExpress after SEA Games 33, center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh once revealed: "We have statistics on distances covered. Defenders average 9 to 10 km, while midfielders cover 11 to 12 km. I believe this generation of players has strong and consistent physical fitness, thanks to their training at academies and clubs. When joining the national team, training time might not be as long as at clubs, but the intensity within the same period is higher. Coach Kim doesn't allow much rest; he wants continuous activity."

The 22-year-old player from Hai Phong's comments clarify an important aspect: the distance covered indicates whether play is at a high or low intensity. A crucial factor affecting a player's endurance is the recovery time between bursts of acceleration and deceleration.

Continuous bursts of acceleration, sudden changes in direction, and sprints in a short period can lead to significant physical exhaustion. This must also be considered in a player's defensive state, meaning when they do not have the ball. It always comes with the pressure and stress of concentration: maintaining position, maintaining distance, coordinating movements, and observing both the ball and opponents.

However, as Nhat Minh emphasized: the Korean coach wants his players to play with minimal rest and continuous activity. This means, from an insider's perspective, Vietnamese players can both run extensively and maintain high intensity.

Regarding physical attributes, with Pham Ly Duc and Nguyen Hieu Minh—a pair of center-backs standing 1,82 and 1,84 meters tall, respectively, who are very strong in aerial duels—the team gains a potent weapon from set pieces. As scoring methods have expanded and proven effective over the past year under Mr. Kim, opponents are forced to be more cautious, and in turn, Vietnam gains more self-belief.

In terms of playing ability, the rule of development lies in competition. For many years, the preparation for Vietnam's youth football generations has not only involved academy or club training but also training camps that provide opportunities to compete against strong opponents.

"Vietnam's preparation is also far superior to other countries in the region, thanks to many overseas trips," center-back Nhat Minh shared. "We play against stronger opponents, gaining more experience. When we return to Southeast Asia, the gap with less invested teams is clear; only Thailand and Indonesia provide a similar feeling."

Physical stature has become a strength for Vietnam when facing top continental opponents. Photo: AFC

Finally, there is the team's cohesion, as football is a game of 11 individuals on the field. The current Vietnam U23 squad is not only built upon a group of many experienced V-League players, but many faces have also "known" each other from younger age groups. For example, through a policy of gathering young talents nationwide, players train in the modern facilities of the PVF academy, subsequently competing in international tournaments like the U15 ICC in late 2018.

"Playing together regularly is an advantage compared to other countries in the region," Nhat Minh told VnExpress. "For over one year, the team's roster has remained almost unchanged, with many training camps and friendly matches. If we only gathered just before a tournament and played immediately, I think it would be very difficult because everyone comes from a different club with a different philosophy."

The comeback victory against Thailand in the SEA Games final is evidence of this, as the team maintained full mental and physical vigor in the second half, along with connected plays among the left-wing and left-half-space players. Third-man runs and "up, back, through" (forward pass, return pass, and through ball) combination models are effective when players possess the technical foundation and share a mutual understanding.

Against Saudi Arabia recently, Mr. Kim's troops did not merely absorb pressure and counter haphazardly. The white-shirted players frequently created sequences of continuous passes, with smooth and aesthetically pleasing ball control and runs.

One of Vietnam's elegant "tiki-taka" style combination plays to evade opponents, featuring a continuous passing sequence against Saudi Arabia in the final match of Group A at the U23 Asian Cup 2026 on 12/1. Screenshot

SEA Games 33 and the current U23 Asian Cup show that the Vietnamese squad has many players like Thai Son, Thanh Nhan, and Dinh Bac who are adept at maneuvering under close marking and surrounding pressure from opponents. They master the ball with neat touches, dribble past players with skillful moves, and sometimes do not hesitate to show off.

Against Saudi Arabia, forward Ngoc My also demonstrated such handling, successfully evading two or three opponents multiple times. In one moment during the 36th minute, this player from Thanh Hoa even embellished U23 Vietnam's smooth attacking build-up with an elegant back-heel pass. This confidence stems from his belief in his playing skills and the synergy among his teammates.

U23 Vietnam's beautiful group combination play using the "up, back, through" model, with Ngoc My leaving a beautiful impression. Screenshot

As achievements continue to be reaped, confidence grows stronger. History helps keep their feet firmly on the ground, such as the fact that Vietnam has never beaten UAE in 90 minutes, serving as a reminder that coach Kim and his team are still "the hunters".

And in the toolkit for that hunt, confidence comes from many foundations.

Hoang Thong