U23 Vietnam challenges host Indonesia

U23 Indonesia is the final challenge for U23 Vietnam. Photo: VFF .

The final of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship will be a confrontation between U23 Vietnam and U23 Indonesia - the two strongest teams in the tournament. U23 Indonesia has home field advantage, a strong squad and is determined to take revenge after losing to U23 Vietnam in last year's final. Meanwhile, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team travel to the archipelago as defending champions and with faith in a promising generation.

The challenge is called Indonesia

Not only did they overcome a difficult group, U23 Indonesia also showed their mettle in the semi-final match against U23 Thailand. The home team was held to a draw for 120 minutes but did not lose their spirit, and then won a thrilling penalty shootout. From their strong playing style, high fighting spirit, to the squad led by veteran coach Gerald Vanenburg - who attended the World Cup with the Netherlands, U23 Indonesia is the most formidable opponent.

It must be frankly admitted that U23 Indonesia is a very strong opponent. The team from the archipelago not only has home field advantage and the enthusiasm from the Bung Karno stands, but also possesses a quality young force.

In the past three years, Indonesia has made a strong impression at youth levels. They won the 32nd SEA Games (2023), reached the semi-finals of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship, and the U19 team won the 2024 Southeast Asian U19 Championship. Indonesia's U17 team even drew with tough opponents like U17 Ecuador and U17 Panama at the World Cup.

In the current squad of U23 Indonesia, names like Hokky Caraka or Arkhan Fikri are familiar to fans in the region as they regularly participate in youth tournaments. In addition, 4 young players including Kadek Arel, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Toni Firmansyah and Jens Raven were promoted from the 2024 Southeast Asian U19 championship squad, showing a clear transition of forces and long-term development orientation of Indonesian football.

Previously, Indonesian youth teams were known for their physical strength, technique and fighting spirit, but lacked composure and organization. However, that is gradually changing under coach Gerald Vanenburg. This team no longer only knows how to play with passion, but also knows how to control the pace of the game, calculate the timing of attacks, control the ball better and defend effectively.

U23 Indonesia entered the final with difficult matches. Photo: AFF.

What does U23 Vietnam have?

Up to the final match, U23 Indonesia had only conceded 1 goal after 4 matches, which was the best result of the tournament. Meanwhile, U23 Vietnam had lost 2 goals after 3 matches. However, the "golden star warriors" also had their own advantages, especially a stable force and high morale. According to the coaching staff, the team did not have any worrying injuries after the semi-final match against U23 Philippines. Striker Nguyen Quoc Viet only suffered a slight pain and was ready for the final match.

In addition, coach Kim Sang-sik has a full range of rotation options. Outstanding individuals are taking turns to shine, from the defense to the attack. Center back Nguyen Hieu Minh scored against U23 Laos, Ly Duc scored against U23 Cambodia. Goalkeeper Trung Kien is currently HAGL's number 1 goalkeeper in the V.League despite his young age.

Above, Thai Son has 66 V.League matches and nearly 40 times wearing the national team jersey at all levels. Khuat Van Khang is one of the pillars of The Cong Viettel , regularly participating in the national team at all levels, his mettle has been proven. The captain of U23 Vietnam has 1 goal against U23 Laos.

On the offensive line, Nguyen Dinh Bac continues to maintain his high performance. The CAHN player scored 2 goals in the last 2 matches and is always a threat to any defense. His ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, coordinate with the team and finish in a variety of ways helps Dinh Bac become a leading support in the front line.

In addition, coach Kim Sang-sik currently has some trump cards ready to create surprises. Xuan Bac is a typical example. In the semi-final match against U23 Philippines, the player who has never played in V.League brought a new breath of life. Xuan Bac scored the winning goal for U23 Vietnam, while also showing his ability to compete and support the attack very well.

U23 Vietnam has the strongest force. Photo: AFF.

Test of mettle

If the final match is a true test of character, then U23 Vietnam has prepared quite well. This is the third consecutive time the team has participated in the final match of the tournament and all under different circumstances.

In 2022, Vietnam used a makeshift squad due to Covid-19 but still won the championship. In 2023, the team won against Indonesia in a thrilling penalty shootout. And now, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are aiming for a third consecutive cup.

The final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship will take place at 8pm on July 29 at Bung Karno Stadium. More than a title, it is also a match that affirms the maturity of a generation of promising young Vietnamese players.

Source: https://znews.vn/u23-viet-nam-thach-thuc-chu-nha-indonesia-post1571988.html