Identifying the Indonesian National Team at the ASEAN Cup 2024

However, the Indonesian team 2 should not be underestimated because, like the Vietnamese team in their opening match against a weaker opponent, they did not field their full strength. In the first half, Indonesia played normally, accepting being pressured, allowing the home team to bombard their goal, and were fortunate to have the crossbar and posts save them from defeat.

Things quickly changed in the second half when coach Shin Tae Yong successively brought on his trump cards, such as defender Asnawi (who later scored the only goal from a throw-in by Arhan), and naturalized striker Struick… to turn the tide.

Indonesia controlled possession more, created more dangerous chances, and most importantly, secured a narrow lead with three points, laying a crucial foundation for their upcoming clash with their biggest rival, the Vietnamese national team, in the third match on December 15th.

In the second match (December 12th), the Indonesian team will face the Laotian team at home, and it shouldn't be difficult for them to secure another 3 points. Closely monitoring this match to learn more about coach Shin Tae Yong's tactics is the task of his assistants.Vietnam national teamBut from now on, the break between the two matches is an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to understand and find solutions to successfully counter all of their opponents' tactics and strategies.

First and foremost, they need to execute powerful and dangerous throw-ins, effectively utilizing second balls and the resulting chaos to score, as they have done repeatedly against the Vietnamese national team and many other opponents. The goalkeeper's role is paramount; they must know how to neutralize these throws by proactively clearing the ball away from the start or avoiding disorientation if they cannot reach and clear the ball. Defenders must also accurately predict the ball's trajectory, from the first to the second ball, actively pressing opponents and not leaving gaps for direct shots, as has been the case in the past. It's best to review the safe ball situations that major teams in the continent achieved against Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers to learn the necessary and effective lessons.

Another crucial task is to neutralize striker Marcelino, who scored two goals in Indonesia's recent victory against Bahrain and is currently the top striker in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, naturalized striker Struick cannot be underestimated, as he is a player capable of creating unexpected situations. The Vietnamese defense, including defensive midfielder Ngoc Tan, must keep a close eye on these strikers' movements if they don't want their team to pay the price.

Currently, some people highly rate the Indonesian team at this ASEAN Cup, while others tend to rate them as average. Both perspectives are necessary, to avoid overconfidence and underestimating the opponent, but also to avoid underestimating the opponent before the actual match. The reality on the field will prove who takes the initiative, accurately assesses the opponent, and can unleash the strength and determination of each individual and the team as a whole... that person will create a better game and achieve a favorable result.

Having a rest in the second match, the opportunity to carefully observe their opponents over two matches, and playing at home are significant advantages for the Vietnamese team. If things go smoothly in the first half, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team may find a way to gain the upper hand in the second half. However, if they still struggle in the first half, the home team may face more pressure and difficulties, making them vulnerable to counter-attacks, leaving them with insufficient time and strength to recover and equalize.

Clearly, the Indonesian team coming to Vietnam this time is not an insurmountable opponent for the Vietnamese team, especially after coach Kim Sang-sik's team is truly making a comeback after a long period of decline. As long as they play to their full potential, follow the right tactics, and make the most of the veteran players and new talents, everything will go smoothly. It will be much more difficult than the opening match against Laos, but it certainly won't be the toughest match of the tournament.ASEAN Cup 2024 This time.

Accurately assessing our opponent will give us confidence and a smooth approach, while our opponents, whether they like it or not, are currently divided in terms of their forces and hopes, not fielding their best lineup or with the highest determination. If this match goes well, it will gradually help the Vietnamese national team regain what they have gained and lost, and return to their long-held position in regional football. And this is the perfect opportunity for Quang Hai and his teammates to play a memorable, exhilarating, and highly effective match.