Not losing to Indonesia is probably enough for Vietnam to defend second place in the group, which means the ticket to continue to the third qualifying round, which means completing the most important task in coach Troussier’s contract with VFF.
The problem is whether the Vietnamese team is capable of completing that task or not?
At the 2023 Asian Cup, Indonesia surprised the Vietnamese team with its strong and equally technical playing style. (Photo: AFC)
Is it easy or difficult not to lose to Indonesia?
Three months ago, anyone who asked this question would have been considered stupid. But now, it’s a completely serious matter.
The convincing defeat at the Asian Cup shows that there is a certain gap between the Vietnam and Indonesia teams. What is worth mentioning is that the gap seems to have a tendency to widen.
Indonesia in Qatar is still a young team, a collection of internal soldiers and naturalized players who have not had much time together. By this World Cup qualifier, Mr. Shin Tae-yong has had more time, and the Indonesian squad has also added more strength. They are inherently strong and will become even stronger in the coming days.
In the opposite direction, the Vietnamese team still marched to Jakarta with a fragmented force. Que Ngoc Hai, Pham Tuan Hai, Doan Van Hau, and Nguyen Tuan Anh are definitely absent. That force is not much better than the squad that lost to Indonesia in the Asian Cup. The old problems of the players also remain: The older pillars are in poor form, the younger group needs more time while a series of veterans still do not receive Mr. Troussier’s attention.
The picture of the times is that Indonesia is moving forward while Vietnam is stagnant, even showing signs of regression.
Combined with the mental effects and pressure from the Gelora Bung Karno fire, the strength of the Indonesian team will be extremely ominous. This will also be the first time in many years that the Vietnamese team enters the Indonesia match with the underdog position. The unfavorable results against Indonesia and the World Cup qualifiers were considered the end for Coach Troussier.
Being alert not to lose before thinking about winning will therefore be a reasonable choice for coach Troussier and the Vietnamese team against Indonesia.
Thanh Ha