Vietnam and Indonesia's performance before the AFF Cup 2024 match
The match between Vietnam and Indonesia at the AFF Cup 2024 is an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to assert their strength and pay off their debt after three consecutive defeats.
The Vietnamese team will enter the decisive match in the group stage of the AFF Cup 2024 when they face Indonesia at home in Viet Tri on December 15. This is not only an opportunity for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to assert their strength, but also a time to repay the debt after three defeats against Indonesia this year, causing the team to miss many important goals and leading to changes in the coaching staff. This match, therefore, has more meaning than just a normal competition, both an opportunity to regain face and an occasion for the Vietnamese team to assert its position in the Southeast Asian region.
Vietnam: Strongest lineup
After a 4-1 victory over Laos in the opening match, although there are still many points to improve, the Vietnamese team has achieved the goal of winning 3 points and a good goal difference. In this match, coach Kim Sang-sik's students showed superiority in the game, but their attacks were still lacking in sharpness. That is something coach Kim Sang-sik needs to improve against a strong opponent like Indonesia.
However, ahead of the important match against Indonesia, Vietnam has a big advantage with its strongest squad. Key players such as Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Tuan Hai, Van Toan and Tien Linh are all ready to play. The return of these stars brings a completely different look compared to the test match against Laos. Quang Hai and Hoang Duc will continue to play an important role in the midfield, with the ability to create opportunities and organize the play. Quang Hai, who had three impressive assists in the match against Laos, will be the key factor helping Vietnam find opportunities in the match against Indonesia.
In addition, Vietnam's defense will also be strongly reinforced with the presence of goalkeeper Nguyen Filip and a trio of experienced central defenders including Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung and Thanh Chung. This will be a solid guarantee for the team's goal, helping the players feel more confident when facing pressure from Indonesia.
Indonesia: Missing pillars
Indonesia entered the AFF Cup 2024 with a squad that was not at its strongest, especially when some key players could not participate in the tournament due to the schedule not being in the FIFA system. This forced coach Shin Tae-yong to call up many young players, most of whom were under 22 years old and lacked international experience. This was a big challenge for the team from the archipelago, as they would have to face stronger and more experienced teams like Vietnam.
However, Indonesia is still an opponent that cannot be underestimated. Coach Shin Tae-yong has a clear strategy and will likely apply a tight defensive style of play, combined with dangerous set pieces. In particular, Pratama Arhan’s throw-ins will be a worrying factor for Vietnam’s defense. Indonesia’s strength comes not only from its tactical attacks but also from its ability to counterattack quickly, something that Vietnam needs to be wary of.
In addition, Indonesia also faces another difficulty: a tight schedule, with three consecutive trips and only one day to get used to the Viet Tri stadium. This causes many physical problems for coach Shin Tae-yong's players. In addition, the absence of midfielder Marselino Ferdinan due to suspension makes it even more difficult for the Indonesian team to control the midfield and create breakthroughs.
Home advantage and Vietnam's mentality
The 2024 AFF Cup schedule has given the Vietnamese team a huge advantage as they have 5 days off to recover and prepare thoroughly for the important match with Indonesia. Meanwhile, Indonesia has to go through a tiring journey and lacks time to get used to the field. In addition, the enthusiastic cheers from the Vietnamese audience will be a factor that helps the players to be more confident and strong in each phase of the ball.
The Vietnamese players’ mentality has also been significantly relieved after the recent defeats against Indonesia. With careful preparation and the strongest squad, the team is very confident entering this match. The defeats against Indonesia in the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers are the haunting memories that the Vietnamese players want to erase, at the same time affirming their strength and courage.
Assert position and pay old debt
The victory over Indonesia is not only significant in terms of points but also affirms the position of the Vietnamese team in the regional arena. A victory will help the team get an early ticket to the semi-finals, avoid strong opponents Thailand and more importantly, erase the obsession from previous failures. With home field advantage, the strongest squad and enthusiastic support from the audience, the Vietnamese team has all the factors of time, place and people to complete the goal of winning. This is not only a group stage match, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese football to affirm its mettle and ambition in the regional arena.
Prediction: Vietnam 2-1 Indonesia
With all the favorable factors, Vietnam can completely win against Indonesia. However, the team from the archipelago is still very dangerous and will not easily give up this battle. Therefore, victory will come to Vietnam if they stay calm, focus and make good use of the opportunities.