Indonesian newspaper points out three weaknesses of the Vietnam team

Before the confrontation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - Asia region, Bola newspaper assessed that physical strength, obsession with form and easily agitated mentality are the biggest weaknesses of Vietnam under coach Philippe Troussier.

Fitness is considered one of the reasons for Vietnam's failure at the 2023 Asian Cup . "Philippe Troussier's style of play relies on high intensity," Bola 's article said. "When not in control of the ball, players must move constantly to repel opponents' attacks."

The French coach himself admitted that Vietnam can only maintain high intensity for 60 to 70 minutes, so they often run out of steam at the end of the match. Against Indonesia, in the second round of the Asian Cup group stage, Vietnam let Marselino Ferdinan dribble from home past three players, before Le Pham Thanh Long blocked the ball, leading to his dismissal for receiving a second yellow card. Or against Iraq, Vietnam continued to lose in the second half's injury time due to a penalty, after left-back Vo Minh Trong ran out of steam and fouled Youssef Amyn in the penalty area.

Midfielder Tuan Anh (right) was disappointed after missing a chance in Vietnam's 0-1 loss to Indonesia in the second match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa

Under Troussier, Vietnam are also on a losing streak of seven out of their last eight matches. In addition to the three matches in the tournament in Qatar, Vietnam lost 0-2 to China and Uzbekistan, then lost 0-6 to South Korea in a friendly match in October 2023. In the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November, the team beat the Philippines 2-0, before losing 0-1 to Iraq in the final minutes.

Bola believes that Vietnam players may be haunted by their recent poor form . This factor is beneficial for Indonesia as the two teams will play two rematches in March in the World Cup qualifiers.

In addition, the Indonesian football newspaper commented that coach Shin Tae-yong and his team "must exploit Vietnam's tough playing and easily agitated mentality". At the 2023 Asian Cup, Vietnam received two red cards for illegal tackling, both to players with little international experience, such as Le Pham Thanh Long against Indonesia and Khuat Van Khang against Iraq.

Coach Philippe Troussier during the match where Vietnam lost 0-1 to Indonesia. Photo: Lam Thoa

These weaknesses can be overcome by Vietnam when experienced players such as Que Ngoc Hai, Tien Linh, Hoang Duc, Thanh Chung return from injury. In addition, coach Troussier is under pressure to change to achieve good results against regional opponents.

In Group F of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, Vietnam is currently ranked second with three points, two points ahead of Indonesia. The two teams will face each other on March 21 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and on March 26 at My Dinh Stadium. The results of this match could soon determine the identity of the team that wins a ticket to the third qualifying round.

Coach Shin Tae-yong is confident that he can continue to beat Vietnam in an interview with Korea's Best Eleven . "I always think that Indonesia has never lost to Vietnam if we look at the match's developments," Shin said.

Main events of the match Vietnam lost to Indonesia 0-1.

In preparation for next month's match, Indonesia has continued to strengthen its naturalized players, with striker Ragnar Oratmangoen (Fortuna Sittard, Netherlands), midfielder Thom Haye, defender Nathan Tjoe-A-On (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands) and goalkeeper Maarten Paes (FC Dallas, USA). The Indonesian squad already has eight naturalized players playing in the Asian Cup, including defenders Jordi Amat, Elkan Baggott, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Justin Hubner, midfielders Marc Klok, Ivar Jenner and striker Rafael Struick.

Coach Shin Tae-yong plans to visit the Netherlands for about two weeks to check out some of the players with Indonesian blood. "We need to use these players more actively," Shin said. "I think there are better players, but it's not easy to find them because they don't get much playing time at their clubs."

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