Indonesia concerned as many Vietnamese pillars return

In the group stage of the Asian Cup in January 2024, Vietnam lost 0-1 to Indonesia without striker Nguyen Dinh Bac due to injury, and midfielder Do Hung Dung did not play. In addition, many experienced players on the national team did not travel to Qatar for various reasons. This was Indonesia's first victory over Vietnam since coach Shin Tae-yong arrived in 2020.

In March, the two teams will play again in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - Asia region. Vietnam is expecting to have the return of some important factors.

"Vietnam is definitely still an opponent that we have to be wary of, because many players who did not participate in the 2023 Asian Cup will return," CNNIndonesia quoted Mr. Arianto as saying. "We will have to examine these factors more carefully, and choose a reasonable option for Indonesia in the match in Jakarta."

Arianto also hinted that the Vietnamese squad at the Asian Cup does not have the best players. In addition to the above players, Que Ngoc Hai, Doan Van Hau or Dang Van Lam did not play in Qatar, but they are unlikely to return to play Indonesia in the World Cup qualifiers due to injuries. The Vietnamese squad at the Asian Cup has many U23 players, such as defenders Phan Tuan Tai, Vo Minh Trong, Nguyen Thai Son, Khuat Van Khang or Nguyen Van Truong.

Indonesian newspapers also believe that the home team must win both upcoming matches against Vietnam in Jakarta and Hanoi. "If they only draw, let alone lose, Indonesia's chances of advancing will be much narrower," the newspaper wrote.

In March 2024, coach Shin Tae-yong traveled to Europe to watch Indonesia’s naturalized players play in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. He also posted photos with players such as Ivar Jenner, Marselino Ferdinan, Sandy Walsh and the player who just received an Indonesian passport, Jay Idzes. The Indonesian team will gather with 27 players on March 18, three days before the match against Vietnam at Bung Karno Stadium.

Coach Philippe Troussier and his players will regroup in Hanoi on March 12, three days after round 13 of the 2023-2024 V-League. At the same time, the U23 team will also gather to prepare for two friendly matches in Tajikistan. The two teams will have about 60 players, who can practice together to select the best players for the team.

In Group F, Vietnam is in second place with three points - two more than Indonesia. Iraq is in first place with six points, while the Philippines is in last place.