Comparing the U23 Indonesia vs U23 Vietnam lineup: Equally matched
The confrontation between U23 Indonesia and U23 Vietnam is a classy competition between two quality teams, where each position can make a difference.
Defense: Vietnam is solid - Indonesia is mobile
U23 Vietnam has a trio of central defenders Hieu Minh - Nhat Minh - Ly Duc who play well together, are well organized and have good covering ability. In particular, goalkeeper Trung Kien is an experienced name with reasonable moves and contributed greatly to the 2023 championship.
Meanwhile, U23 Indonesia has a young and physically fit defense, notably Frengky Missa and Kadek Arel with speed and the ability to support the attack. However, constantly pushing up also leaves them with gaps behind them – something that Vietnam’s attack can exploit.
Midfield: Tactical Battle
U23 Vietnam has the advantage of the duo Van Truong and Van Khang - experienced players with high tactical thinking and the ability to control the tempo of the match. Phi Hoang and Xuan Bac are active on both wings, ready to cause a breakthrough.
U23 Indonesia has a strong midfield with Robi Darwis and Dion – two flexible, pressing midfielders. However, their ability to control the rhythm and develop the ball from the middle of the field is not really smooth, and they are easily predictable when facing disciplined opponents.
Attack: Raven is the mainstay - Dinh Bac shines at the right time
Jens Raven – the naturalized striker of Indonesia U23 – is a terror to every defense in the tournament, scoring 7 goals, although most of them against weaker opponents. He has good positioning and heading ability, but lacks the necessary support when blocked.
U23 Vietnam does not have a clear “killer”, but in return there is diversity. Dinh Bac is playing outstandingly with his pressing and positioning skills, while Xuan Bac and Van Khang can both score when needed. The uniformity in the attack makes Vietnam harder to predict.
U23 Indonesia has the physical strength and home-field spirit, but U23 Vietnam has the cohesion, top-level experience and squad depth. If Indonesia depends too much on Raven, U23 Vietnam can turn the game around with many spearheads - a key factor in top-level matches. The final is therefore not only a battle of physical strength and tactics, but also a place where courage and flexibility speak up.