Balancing Wins and Development Ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup

According to the article, after an unsuccessful FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign, Vietnam and head coach Kim Sang Sik aim to use the matches against Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan as a springboard for recovery, both in morale and FIFA ranking points. The opponents are seen as manageable, providing a chance to collect points.
The article warns that emphasizing immediate results could be counter‑productive because Vietnam still has several weaknesses to address before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Prioritising short‑term wins may hide the need for deeper tactical and personnel changes.
Supporters, the article says, want Kim to make meaningful adjustments to the team's playing style and experiment with different personnel for sustainable success. At the same time, the South Korean coach must keep a stable core while identifying positions where changes are necessary and testing alternatives.
Finally, the article stresses that the two November friendlies should serve a broader purpose: answering specific questions about squad capabilities and tactical development rather than merely focusing on results. Balancing short‑term wins with long‑term team development will be key for Vietnam's 2027 Asian Cup preparation.