What did coach Troussier say before the rematch with the Indonesian team?

At noon on March 25, in Hanoi, coach Troussier shared before the second leg match between Vietnam and Indonesia, in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Evaluating the rematch with Indonesia in the 4th match of Group F, the 2nd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, coach Troussier said: "This is our 4th match in the 2nd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup and the team's goal is still to continue to the 3rd qualifying round.

The Vietnamese team has 3 matches left in hand and has the right to decide for ourselves. We are confident and have no doubts about our goals, because 2/3 of the next matches will be played at home.

Of course, it won't be easy. So we hope to receive the support of as many spectators as possible, from the first minute to the end of the match. The Vietnam team is aware of its responsibility and will try its best."

"Of course, setting goals is one thing, the players also have to perform to the best of their ability. Results do not come from setting goals but from performance on the field. In addition to discipline and compliance with tactics, being strong when competing, they also need to be wise and alert in making decisions on the field. That determines a lot. I always aim for accuracy and the team is also trying their best," added Mr. Troussier.

Regarding the approach to the match and the plan to deal with Indonesia's aggressive play, coach Troussier said: "We analyze and speculate about this. Option 1, maybe they will actively defend and wait for a counter-attack opportunity. Or option 2 is that they will actively push up from the start to cause surprise.

However, no matter what strategy the opponent uses or what personnel we use, I always ask the players to maintain their will and effort from the beginning of the match until the final whistle blows."

Under coach Troussier, the U23 team and the Vietnamese national team conceded three goals due to throw-ins from Indonesia. The French strategist said: "We were all prepared. Before the last match, I talked with some members of the Japanese coaching staff, because this team also lost because of that move at the 2023 Asian Cup. I told my players not to waver, not to put too much weight on that move.

I spoke to the players and there was only one situation of organizational error and individual shortcomings that caused the team to concede a goal. In the Asian Cup, we had to endure more throw-ins, about 10 if I remember correctly, but there was no problem."

Regarding the preparation of the team for the second leg, Mr. Troussier said: "Currently, I have a large number of players with diverse individual skill sets. Now the teams are allowed to make 5 substitutions, giving me more opportunities to adjust tactics.

I estimate that there are currently 15 or 16 players ready for tomorrow's starting lineup. At the same time, there are 4 or 5 players as reserve options, because a match requires constant pressing, movement, and marking. I believe that the players are ready to meet my requirements.

Meanwhile, striker Tien Linh expressed his determination: "There were many objective reasons for the poor result in the last match. We understand the importance of tomorrow's match and will try to follow the tactics and demonstrate our abilities. I hope that if I get to play, I will score and help my team win."

The return match between Vietnam and Indonesia will take place at 7 p.m. tomorrow, March 26, at My Dinh National Stadium (Hanoi)./.

Hai Hoang