Coach Kim Sang Sik has overtaken the history books by securing a record number of victories against Thailand during his tenure leading the national team. The milestone was reached on Saturday, August 22, when Vietnam defeated the hosts 2-0 in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Two goals secure advantage in Bangkok
Substitutes Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai were the difference-makers for the defending champions. Hai Long found the net in the 62nd minute, and Quang Hai doubled the lead just seven minutes later. The two-goal margin gives Vietnam a commanding lead heading into the return leg.
This result extends Kim’s perfect record in recent clashes. In four meetings at the national-team level, the South Korean tactician has now won three and lost one. The sole defeat occurred in a friendly match at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi last September, where Thailand won 2-1.
Since that friendly loss, Kim’s side has been unbeaten against Thailand, winning all three encounters in the ASEAN Cup. The 2024 ASEAN Cup final provided a preview of this dominance, with Vietnam winning 2-1 in Viet Tri before securing a 5-3 aggregate victory following a 3-2 win at Rajamangala Stadium.
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The record is particularly significant when compared to previous Vietnam coaches. Alfred Riedl achieved a 3-0 win over Thailand in the 1998 Tiger Cup, while Henrique Calisto led a 2-1 victory in the 2008 AFF Cup final. Park Hang Seo, a popular figure in Vietnamese football, managed only one win against Thailand, which came at the 2019 King’s Cup. Park’s overall record in the ASEAN Cup against Thailand included two draws and two defeats.
Kim’s achievement is unique because all three of his victories have come in finals. Two of those wins were at Rajamangala Stadium, a venue Thailand fans consider their home. The ability to perform on enemy territory adds weight to the statistical milestone.
Defending the title in Hanoi
Vietnam must now turn their attention to the second leg at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on August 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 pm local time. The tournament runs from July 24 to August 26, featuring ten teams split into two groups. Vietnam were placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, while Thailand was in Group B with Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.
While the record is a feather in the cap for Kim Sang Sik, the focus remains entirely on the upcoming match. A win on home soil would secure back-to-back titles for the national team.