Coach Troussier: 'A small mistake affects the whole team'

Qatar coach Philippe Troussier was disappointed with the result against Indonesia at the 2023 Asian Cup, including a mistake that led to a goal, but was pleased with the spirit of the Vietnamese players.

"I am disappointed that our team lost the match," coach Troussier said at a press conference after the match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on the evening of January 19. "This was a high-quality match and the result was decided by a penalty situation, a small mistake in the penalty area. A small detail affected the whole team. This result prevented Vietnam from advancing, but we will still fight for the three points in the final match against Iraq. We are not allowed to give up."

The small mistake in the penalty area that the French strategist mentioned was Nguyen Thanh Binh pulling the shirt of striker Rafael Struick in the penalty area, leading to a penalty for Indonesia to open the score. Coach Troussier said that during the break, he encouraged the Vietnamese defenders and also replaced two players because Nguyen Thai Son was "overwhelmed" and Pham Tuan Hai was injured. He also respected the referee's decision, although the penalty caused difficulties for Vietnam in the rest of the match.

"I had a private conversation with Thanh Binh and Viet Anh after the first half," he added. "It was clear that they blocked much better in the second half. In the second half, Binh dared to play and confront after making mistakes. He crossed the line. Thanh Binh is professional but is always a bit shy and timid. I don't blame Thanh Binh and Viet Anh, they played well almost the whole match."

Coach Troussier during the Vietnam - Indonesia match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar on the evening of January 19. Photo: Lam Thoa — Coach Troussier during the Vietnam - Indonesia match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar on the evening of January 19. Photo: *Lam Thoa*

In this match, although highly rated, Vietnam started the match somewhat inferior to an Indonesia that attacked aggressively in the first half. Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip had to show his talent several times to save the goal. But in the 42nd minute, the newly naturalized goalkeeper failed when facing a penalty kick from captain Asnawi.

After the break, Vietnam played better. Many opportunities were created by Coach Troussier's players in the first 15 minutes. But Khuat Van Khang, Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Nguyen Tuan Anh were unable to score. Indonesia also had a few more chances from counter-attacks, but the Vietnamese players fought hard and saved the goal. Coach Troussier said he was satisfied with the second half, especially the spirit, when the players fought tirelessly. "They tried hard to find the equalizer, and did their best in counter-attack situations, to maintain balance for the defense. Despite losing, some players performed well, exceeding their limits. I acknowledge that," said the French coach.

Although not as brutal as previous encounters in Southeast Asian playgrounds, Indonesia still had a rough style of play - especially in defensive situations from a distance. Thanks to that, they made it difficult for Vietnam to launch attacks. In the final moments of the match, Shin Tae Yong's students defended proactively and preserved the victory. Similar to the 2-3 loss at the SEA Games last year, Vietnamese football under Troussier lost to Indonesia by a single goal.

"We cannot compare with previous matches, Indonesia is now different from the Indonesia we faced in the AFF Cup or SEA Games," said coach Troussier. "Obviously, this was a difficult match. Indonesia has a quality squad, they have added mixed-race or naturalized players. Even though we lost the match, I am still proud. The players showed a very strong fighting spirit, kept the faith and tried their best until the last second. Football always has winners and losers, but when you try your best, there is nothing to regret or bow your head. We tried to fight against a strong opponent."

Main events of the match Indonesia 1-0 Vietnam.

Vietnam's attacking power also decreased in this match, when the breakthrough factor against Japan, Nguyen Dinh Bac, could not play due to injury. Striker Nguyen Van Tung replaced him in the starting lineup, but did not leave much of a positive impression, before being injured and having to leave the field to make way for Nguyen Van Truong from the 78th minute.

According to coach Troussier, while Vietnam only naturalized goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, Indonesia has up to five or six mixed-race players or players playing abroad. That gives them an advantage in a game of constant collision. "We have a plan to reduce collisions, avoid losing the ball to save energy. There are some points we need to improve, especially physical strength to be able to maintain high intensity throughout the match," coach Troussier added. "Currently, the team can only maintain 60-70 minutes, and often run out of steam at the end of the match. My playing style requires high intensity, even without the ball, we have to move, so each match a player runs an average of 8-10 km. To motivate the players, the domestic league must also improve, because all the players are playing domestically."

The 0-1 defeat left Vietnam empty-handed through the first two matches of Group D, and no hope of advancing to the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup. In the final match on January 24, the team met the top team Iraq.

Lam Thoa

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