Expert: Vietnam team has psychological problems, Indonesia is not superior

"I think the biggest problem with the Vietnamese team is the psychological story," commented coach Velizar Popov - the Bulgarian expert who is leading Thanh Hoa club.

According to coach Popov, the quality of the squad and the playing style of the opponent have not improved enough to surpass the Vietnamese team. This coach believes that as long as they solve the problem of spirit and confidence, the home team is capable enough to beat Indonesia in the second leg.

The Vietnamese team lost to Indonesia in the first leg.

- The Vietnamese team lost 9 out of the last 10 matches, including 2 defeats against Indonesia. Observing the performance of the Vietnamese team recently, what problems do you see?

The Vietnam national team has been through a difficult time with unsatisfactory results. As a coach in the V.League, my position is not suitable to evaluate whether the tactics of the Vietnam national team are good or not. I respect Mr. Philippe Troussier.

I think the biggest problem with the Vietnamese team is the psychological story. They lost in the last two matches against Indonesia, both due to bad luck and personal mistakes.

I noticed that in the 180 minutes against Indonesia, the Vietnamese team was overwhelmed for about 60 minutes, especially in the last 30 minutes of the second half when they were behind. The players seemed to be mentally exhausted.

In the remaining time, I did not see the Indonesian team playing better or dominating the Vietnamese players. The problem is that the Vietnamese team must finish better on opportunities. If you only control the ball without finishing, the attacks will be less effective. If you do not shoot, you cannot score.

The Vietnamese team lost to the Indonesian team in the first leg.

- Does that mean that as long as we are confident and mentally in control, the Vietnamese team will beat Indonesia?

I understand somewhat the psychology of Vietnamese players and Vietnamese people - a country with a special culture. If we have to find a team in Southeast Asia that is always ready to overcome difficult circumstances and withstand pressure, it is the Vietnamese team.

You guys are very good at this. I'm sure the Vietnamese players are ready to go all out and win.

Coach Popov has faith in the Vietnamese team.

- It is also undeniable that the Indonesian team is stronger thanks to naturalized players with European blood.

The biggest difference between the Indonesian team in the last two matches and before is the physical aspect. The naturalized players with European blood are taller and stronger than the native players. However, they do not excel in agility and technique.

On balance, the above changes do not make a significant difference. They are still young players and not really complete. However, this group of naturalized players can make an impact in the future but at present, they are not superior to Vietnamese players.

As mentioned, I don’t see them dominating the Vietnamese team in both of their recent victories. It should be recognized that the Indonesian team made the difference in their efficiency and took advantage of the mistakes of the Vietnamese team. This is very important in modern football.

Coach Troussier really needs a win against Indonesia.

- The Vietnamese team needs players like Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Tien Linh to develop their star qualities - something that hasn't happened in a long time?

Surely the Vietnamese team can win if the players you just mentioned play to their ability. They deserve a chance and the support from the fans.

Vietnamese fans need to pack the stadium and create the best atmosphere. That will help the Vietnamese team have better spirit. Confidence is the most important thing right now.

This is a decisive match. All the qualities of the players are tested, not only technique, physical strength but also mental qualities and form. That is the foundation of the match.

This match is for real men, with hot hearts and cool heads. There is no room for weaklings. They must concentrate to the maximum from the first whistle to the end of the match. The belief in victory is the most important thing.

- The series of bad performances has weakened fans' confidence in the Vietnamese team's ability to win. What about you?

I think Vietnam will win 2-0. If they can control the tempo of the game, Vietnam will be able to beat their opponents.

The match at SEA Games 31 is an example. In the first half, U23 Indonesia started better, had 2-3 dangerous chances, but in the second half, the Vietnamese players showed a completely different side and defeated their opponents with a score of 3-0.

I believe Vietnam will beat Indonesia. Your World Cup dream depends on this match.

Personally, I'm still among the 20% that trust Coach Troussier.

Thank you for your comments.

Mai Phuong

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