Mr. Kim Sang-sik is not satisfied with the victory over Cambodia.

Vietnam scored 2 goals in the first half thanks to Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Van Vi in the 25th and 37th minutes. However, the team slowed down in the second half, especially from the 65th minute, when Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Hai Long left the field.

"The pressure increased in the second half and we had trouble neutralizing Cambodia," Kim Sang-sik said at a press conference after the match at Go Dau Stadium. "When we brought in a substitute player, the team also had some difficulty in developing the ball."

Vietnam almost conceded in the 61st minute, when substitute striker Sor Rotana missed the ball in front of goal. But 3 minutes later, the midfield lost the ball in the middle of the field, allowing Bong Samuel to run to the edge of the penalty area and shoot from distance to shorten the gap. However, Cambodia's declining physical strength prevented them from maintaining high intensity and they accepted a narrow defeat.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Vietnam did not have any sharp, multi-touch attacks. The players also wasted many counter-attacks in the second half.

In addition, Mr. Kim Sang-sik said that midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai suffered a minor injury. The case of Nguyen Hoang Duc requires further examination, after the midfielder suffered a pain after slipping in the 58th minute. "I always feel worried when a player suffers pain after slipping or falling. So when I feel there is a problem, I take Hoang Duc out," said Mr. Kim. "I hope Duc is not seriously injured. He is an important player of the team."

Before Cambodia, the coach born in 1976 did not register 3 players: goalkeeper Trinh Xuan Hoang, midfielder Nguyen Thai Son and Tran Bao Toan. The only new player used was left-back Trieu Viet Hung, but he had to leave the field in the 28th minute.

"I took Viet Hung out early because he hadn't performed as well as he did in practice," said Mr. Kim. "I think Hung was too eager to play for the national team. When Van Vi came on the field, he supported the team a lot."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet, center back Pham Ly Duc and midfielder Vo Hoang Minh Khoa were on the bench. Explaining why he gave few opportunities to new players, Mr. Kim Sang-sik said: "We need to prepare for the match against Laos, so I prioritize using experienced players who have performed well in the team recently. I will analyze and create opportunities for the players to learn when the opportunity arises."

Vietnam have won 6 consecutive matches in a 9-match unbeaten streak. The team also maintains a perfect record after 11 matches against Cambodia.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team have 4 days to prepare before hosting Laos, also at Binh Duong Stadium.