Tactical Analysis of Coach Kim Sang-sik at Vietnam National Team: From 3-4-3 Formation to a New Identity

The friendly match between Vietnam national team and the Philippines on June 12, 2026, at My Dinh Stadium left many tactical impressions. Coach Kim Sang-sik, the successor to Mr. Troussier, unveiled a flexible 3-4-3 formation, distinct from the pure possession-based style of his predecessor. As early as the 8th minute, wing-back Van Thanh pushed high like a winger, creating space for Tien Linh to run into. This was not a random play, but a signal of a new system taking shape.

Tactical Context Since Mr. Troussier's departure after the 2026 Asian Cup failure, Vietnamese football fell into an identity crisis. The high-possession philosophy (averaging 62% in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers) did not yield results, with only 3 goals in 6 matches. Coach Kim Sang-sik, former strategist of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was expected to bring pragmatism. He previously succeeded with a 3-4-3 formation in K-League, where wing-backs played key roles in both attack and defense. The match against the Philippines was his first application of this system to the national team, with the central defensive trio of Duy Manh, Ngoc Hai, and Thanh Chung.

Core Analysis: The 3-4-3 Formation and Its Variations The tactical highlight lies in how Coach Kim uses wing-backs Van Thanh and Hong Duy. Unlike traditional 3-4-3, they do not hug the touchline but frequently cut inside, transforming into two false No. 10s. When in possession, the midfield is left with only Hoang Duc and Tuan Anh in the center, while Van Thanh and Hong Duy move into gaps between opponent lines. Opta data shows Van Thanh had 7 touches in the opponent's box in the first half – more than any Philippines winger. This creates overloads in the center, giving Tien Linh more space.

However, this system exposes weaknesses when losing the ball. With only two midfielders, the central area is easily breached. In the 34th minute, the Philippines had their first dangerous chance when midfielder Reichelt broke through from the left, forcing Duy Manh to foul. Statistics show that in the first 20 minutes of the second half, the Philippines had 4 shots from outside the box, exploiting the space in front of the center-backs. Coach Kim adjusted by pulling Hong Duy back to a traditional full-back role, switching to a 4-1-4-1 formation when defending. This flexibility helped Vietnam keep a clean sheet until the end.

Contrarian View: The Sacrifice of Hoang Duc Many consider Hoang Duc the best player of the match, but in reality, he sacrificed his creative role to perform defensive duties. His pass count dropped by 30% compared to average, but his ball recoveries doubled (12 times). This shows Coach Kim does not need a playmaker but a sweeper in the center. This is a major difference from the Troussier era, where Hoang Duc was given freedom. This change may be controversial, but it reflects a pragmatic philosophy: prioritizing solidity over beauty.

Takeaway: Step Forward or Backward? The 1-0 victory over the Philippines was not a dazzling performance, but it shows Coach Kim Sang-sik is building a Vietnam team capable of adaptation. The 3-4-3 formation could be the key for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where stronger opponents demand compactness. The question remains: will the sacrifice of creative stars cause Vietnamese football to lose its attacking identity? Only time and bigger matches will tell.