"World-class coach, Manager Kim Sang-sik gets a 'thumbs up'" Vietnamese media spotlight "Expression of respect for tactical management"

*This content was translated by AI.

With Vietnam's national football team securing an away win against Indonesia for the first time in 30 years, the opposing coach raised his thumb in approval, prompting Vietnamese local media to highlight the moment.

On the 5th (Korean time), VN Express reported: "After the match, Manager Kim Sang-sik, despite the joy of victory, approached the Indonesia bench and exchanged greetings with John Hirdman (England). Coach Hirdman gave a thumbs-up, appearing to express his respect for Vietnam's tactical performance that day."

Earlier, under the leadership of Manager Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam defeated Indonesia 3-0 in the third group stage match of Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup held at Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong, Indonesia on the 3rd. According to photos released by the media afterward, Manager Kim approached Coach Hirdman after the game, bowed his head, and shook hands, while Coach Hirdman responded with a thumbs-up gesture toward Manager Kim.

The media added: "Coach Hirdman is a globally recognized coach who has become the first ever to lead both the men's and Yeo (CEO) teams of a single country (Canada) to the World Cup finals. After failing to qualify for the World Cup under coaches Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, the Indonesian Football Association appointed Coach Hirdman."

With this day's victory, Vietnam not only secured an away win against Indonesia for the first time in 30 years since 1996 but also extended its unbeaten run in A-match games to 21 matches (18 wins, 3 draws), starting from October 2024. This sets a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in Vietnamese football history. The previous record was 18 consecutive unbeaten matches during the tenure of Coach Park Hang-seo. Manager Kim Sang-sik's team continues to extend this record with each match.

Especially, by defeating Indonesia, one of their top rivals, with a decisive 3-0 away victory, advancing to the semifinals as group leaders has become highly likely. This turnaround came despite significant criticism following a draw against Singapore. Vietnam now sits at the top of the table with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, goal difference +10), ahead of Singapore (goal difference +3). Vietnam will face Cambodia in their final group stage match on the 7th at 10 p.m. local time at My Dinh National Stadium in Vietnam. Cambodia has already been eliminated from the tournament's group stage.

VN Express stated: "After today's match, Manager Kim Sang-sik applauded Vietnamese fans who traveled to support their team and expressed his gratitude. With this victory (against Indonesia), criticism toward Manager Kim and the national team is expected to ease further." The outlet added: "Vietnam is approaching its final group stage match against Cambodia. The likelihood of advancing to the semifinals as Group A leaders has become very high. On the other side, Group B includes Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and others. Vietnam aims for back-to-back titles following their 2024 tournament victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.