Indonesian media reports: Vietnam sets a new benchmark for Southeast Asian football.
Following Vietnam's U22 team's victory at the 2025 SEA Games, the Indonesian newspaper Bola praised their sustained dominance and considered it a wake-up call for Indonesian football.
Acknowledgment from the opponent
The dramatic 3-2 victory against Thailand in the 2025 SEA Games final not only brought the gold medal to the Vietnam U22 team but also generated widespread recognition from regional media, especially in Indonesia. The prestigious sports newspaper Bola published an in-depth analysis, affirming the position of Vietnamese football.
In the article, Bola emphasized: "Vietnam's gold medal win once again confirms they are the most consistent force in Southeast Asia." The newspaper not only looked at the final result but also analyzed the resilient performance of the young Vietnamese players. Despite being 2-0 down against host Thailand and facing pressure at the Rajamangala Stadium, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team calmly turned the tide. This was described as "the champion spirit that has become the hallmark of Vietnamese football."
An example and a cautionary tale.
Indonesian media viewed Vietnam's success as a lesson. The newspaper Bola frankly stated that it was "an example, and also a warning, for Indonesian football." The article pointed out that while Vietnam is reaping success based on a training and competition system with a long history, Indonesia seems to still be struggling to find its direction.
Indonesian football expert Erwin Fitriansyah was quoted with a notable comment comparing the team's current performance to previous periods: "Indonesia's playing style was more convincing when they were led by Gerald Vanenburg."
Based on these analyses, Indonesian media are calling for a comprehensive reform of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI). Bola suggests that PSSI should build a standardized training system where the football philosophy is consistent from the U17, U20, U23 levels all the way to the national team – a model that Vietnam is currently operating very effectively.
A new regional benchmark
The article concludes that without structural changes, Indonesian football will increasingly fall behind Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnamese football, with its consecutive successes, is gradually being recognized as a "new benchmark" in Southeast Asia, not only in terms of achievements but also in its character, strategic thinking, and sustainable development.