Compared to the 2023 Asian Cup, Indonesia has some changes when meeting the Vietnamese team again, with the core being naturalized players of Dutch origin.
Changes in defense
In the list of Indonesian team announced by coach Shin Tae Yong to prepare for 2 matches with Vietnam team, in the 2nd qualifying round of World Cup 2026 in Asia, there are a few small changes.
Indonesia without Jordi Amat
Attention has focused on the absence of goalkeeper Ernando Ari. This is quite a surprise, as the 22-year-old goalkeeper played very well during the 2023 Asian Cup journey in Qatar.
It can be said that Ernando was an important factor in helping Indonesia win against Vietnam 2 months ago at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
Replacing Ernando is the return of Nadeo Argawinata, the goalkeeper considered the "Kepa of Indonesian football". This comparison is mainly due to the similarity in the faces between the two.
Nadeo is highly regarded for his talent, but also has certain psychological problems. He was the main goalkeeper during the period when Indonesia always bowed to the Vietnamese team, as well as losing in the final of the 2019 SEA Games.
Recently, during training, Indonesia was forced to say goodbye to Jordi Amat and Elkan Baggott, two of the mainstays of the defense at the 2023 Asian Cup.
Indonesia strengthens naturalization policy
In recent times, coach Shin Tae Yong has built a playing style for Indonesia around Jordi Amat, a naturalized Spanish central defender.
In addition, Asnawi Mangkualam cannot play due to suspension. This is the author of the only goal between the two Southeast Asian football representatives in the match in Qatar, from the 11m mark.
Thus, next Thursday night (8:30 p.m. on March 21), Indonesia will meet Vietnam again without both captain Asnawi and vice-captain Jordi Amat.
Strengthening the naturalization factor
From the success at the Asian Cup, coach Shin Tae Yong was given more tactical solutions when Indonesia promoted its naturalization policy.
Indonesia likely to debut 2 new players
Newcomers Nathan Tjoe-A-On and Jay Idzes are ready to make their debuts against Vietnam. Meanwhile, Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen are eagerly awaiting their debuts in the return match at My Dinh.
These cases are all playing in developed European football, including Italy and the Netherlands.
It is not an exaggeration to call the current Indonesian team "miniature Netherlands". Most of the naturalized faces are from this Western European country.
Some players even played for the Dutch youth teams. They chose Indonesia because of the promise of high living standards.
Dutch becomes the main language of the Indonesian team
Not Indonesian or any other language, but Dutch will be the most used in the "Tim Garuda" squad when standing on the pitch.
Jay Idzes could replace Amat at centre-back, alongside Justin Hubner, who has 12 caps for the Netherlands U20s. In midfield, Shin is considering handing Marc Klok the captain's armband for the match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Rafael Struick, another Dutchman, plays an important role in attack thanks to his ideal height (1.85 m).
The Dutch factor is Indonesia's hope, as well as an important key for Shin Tae Yong to think about extending his contract.
Vietnamnet.vn
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