The Vietnamese team narrowed the gap with the Top 10 in Asia, playing to assert its position against Indonesia

Information from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), according to the assessment of the French strategist, the match between Vietnam and Indonesia is very important for both teams. Vietnam and Indonesia both still hold the right to self-determination in their hands. The chances for the two teams are 50-50 and the result of victory or defeat can come from the small details that the players show on the field.

The Vietnamese team played with great effort against Japan. PHOTO: ANH THAO

Coach Philippe Troussier of the Vietnamese team said: “We lost the match against Japan, which is not surprising because of the level difference. However, the details of the match show that we played strongly and were also able to control the ball.

Before the match, we understood that if Japan had more time to control the ball, they would attack more and the team’s goal would be in more danger. We understand that we must minimize danger and defense time by controlling the ball.

The same goes for the next match against Indonesia, the Vietnamese team needs to continue to play proactively. Indonesia is very strong mentally and plays aggressively, so we need to be more proactive in controlling the ball. We are ready and confident for the match.”

Coach Philippe Troussier is confident before the confrontation with Indonesia. PHOTO: ANH THAO

Coach Philippe Troussier highly appreciates Indonesia’s number 7 player, Marselino Ferdinan. The French teacher of the Vietnamese team added: “I am impressed with Indonesia’s number 7 player, he performed outstandingly in the match against Iraq. But objectively, Indonesia’s greatest strength is its collective fighting spirit. They balance both attack and defense.

On an individual basis, in addition to number 7, there is also number 11, and two central midfielders who play strongly and are rich in fighting power. This is a difficult match for both Indonesia and Vietnam. It must be said that the match against Japan we played was to assert ourselves. In the second match, we, like Indonesia, played to confirm our position. The players must enter the match with a fighting spirit, like a SEA Games or AFF Cup final. Everyone knows that the team that wins this match will have a great chance to advance.”

Coach Philippe Troussier affirmed that the Vietnamese team played to assert its position against Indonesia. PHOTO: ANH THAO

Coach Philippe Troussier shared: “I have just taken over as head coach of the Vietnam team since March 2023. I always want to adapt players to new ways of playing. In a short time, the results may not be in line with expectations. But our long-term goal is to narrow the gap with the Top 10 in Asia. To do this, we must play more proactively.”