Indonesia's sad memories

The final match of the 2025 U23 Southeast Asia Championship (8:00 p.m. on July 29) is a repeat of the match 2 years ago in Thailand, when U23 Vietnam played U23 Indonesia.

Bola newspaper could not forget that defeat. “In the previous tournament, U23 Indonesia had to accept the runner-up position, when the team under the leadership of coach Shin Tae Yong lost to U23 Vietnam – the defending champion at that time,” the newspaper mentioned.

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Indonesia haunted by 2023 defeat in Thailand. Photo: Ho Hai Hoang

Two years ago, the final in Rayong ended goalless after 120 minutes. U23 Vietnam won 6-5 on penalties.

In the 6th round of shots, Quan Van Chuan successfully blocked the shot of Ernando Ari - goalkeeper of U23 Indonesia. This result helped U23 Vietnam become the first team in history to defend the U23 Southeast Asian championship.

Quan Van Chuan received the Best Goalkeeper award, while Dinh Xuan Tien shared the Top Scorer award with Malaysia's Alif Ikmalrizal.

Van Chuan, Xuan Tien, along with Khuat Van Khang and Luong Duy Cuong, are the four U23 Vietnam players included in the typical squad of the 2023 tournament.

Now, U23 Indonesia will meet Khuat Van Khang again when the two teams face each other in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

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Khuat Van Khang dances among the U23 Indonesia defense in the 2023 final. Photo: Ho Hai Hoang

Afraid of 2 faces

Immediately after identifying U23 Vietnam as the opponent of U23 Indonesia in the final match, writer Vincentius Atmaja warned the home team about two names.

Van Khang is one of two players highly appreciated by this journalist. The captain of U23 Vietnam, a key player of The Cong Viettel is the first name.

Van Khang’s international experience is impressive. The other case is center back Nguyen Hieu Minh – who wants to win the championship as a gift for his early 21st birthday (August 5).

“U23 Vietnam has many quality players who will make all opponents wary,” Atmaja reminded coach Gerald Vanenburg and the young Indonesian players.

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Indonesian newspaper warns of danger from Hieu Minh and captain Van Khang. Photo: VFF

“Defender Nguyen Hieu Minh always plays with great energy. In particular, the soul of U23 Vietnam's playing style, as well as the recent semi-final match, is Khuat Van Khang.

Both of these factors are the main strengths of U23 Vietnam, making them a strong candidate for the championship."

Hieu Minh has scored 2 goals in the U23 Southeast Asia team so far. At the same time, he plays in the center of a defense with 3 central defenders, and is assigned by coach Kim Sang Sik to organize the play from behind.

Van Khang stands out thanks to his ability to dribble, his central passes, and his outstanding wing crosses.

Watch the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship live and in full on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bao-indonesia-nho-lai-that-bai-so-nhat-2-ngoi-sao-u23-viet-nam-2425948.html