Indonesia’s U-23 Squad Earns High Praise from Vietnamese coach Ahead of Potential AFF Cup Showdown

Jakarta – The Indonesian national team’s U-23 squad has garnered significant admiration from Kim Sang-sik, the head coach of the Vietnamese national team, amidst the ongoing AFF U-23 Cup 2025. This recognition comes as Indonesia continues its notable performance in the tournament.

Garuda Muda, as the Indonesian U-23 team is known, has secured two victories so far, comfortably defeating Brunei Darussalam with an 8-0 scoreline and narrowly overcoming the Philippines 1-0. A key factor contributing to thier strong showing is the experience within the squad; a remarkable 12 players have previously represented Indonesia at the senior level in the 2024 AFF Cup. This blend of youth and seasoned international experience appears to be a formidable combination.Coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged Indonesia’s strength,stating,”Indonesia is very strong and very organized.” His comments highlight the tactical discipline and individual prowess evident in the Indonesian team’s play.

While Vietnam also has the potential to meet Indonesia in the semifinals, Kim Sang-sik remains focused on his team’s immediate objectives. “We are just playing one game at a time. The whole team must focus on every match according to the plan and determine our goals. This is the most important thing right now, and we don’t have to think further about who the opponent might be. The most important thing is to focus on playing with the right strategy and maximizing our own abilities,” he emphasized.

Both Indonesia and Vietnam are yet to officially secure their spots in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals. Indonesia is scheduled to face Malaysia in their final group match, while Vietnam will play against Cambodia.The outcomes of these remaining games will determine the semifinal pairings.

Evergreen Insight: the early stages of tournaments like the AFF U-23 Cup often serve as crucial proving grounds for emerging talent. National teams that effectively leverage a mix of youthful exuberance and prior international exposure, as Indonesia appears to be doing, often lay strong foundations for future success.The strategic emphasis on a match-by-match approach, as espoused by Coach Kim Sang-sik, is a timeless principle in competitive sports, underscoring the importance of process and execution over speculative future outcomes.

What specific factors contribute to the coach’s unwavering confidence in the team’s potential?

Vietnam Coach Expresses Unwavering Confidence in Team’s Potential

Recent Setbacks & The Road to Recovery

Despite the tragic boating accident in Ha Long Bay, claiming 38 lives (as reported by Spiegel Online on May 23, 2024), the spirit of Vietnamese sports remains resilient. This incident, while deeply saddening, hasn’t dampened the optimism surrounding the national teams across various disciplines. The focus now is on supporting the affected families and ensuring stringent safety measures are in place for all tourism and sporting activities. This tragedy underscores the importance of risk management and preparedness, lessons being actively integrated into national sporting protocols.

Key Areas of Optimism in Vietnamese sport

Vietnam is experiencing a surge in athletic talent, fueled by increased investment in youth progress programs and a growing national passion for sports. several key areas demonstrate notable potential:

Football (Soccer): The Vietnamese national football team continues to be a source of national pride. Recent performances in the AFF Championship and World Cup qualifying rounds, while not always resulting in victories, showcase a team steadily improving its tactical awareness and player skill. The Vietnam Professional Football league (V.League 1) is also attracting more international attention.

Badminton: Vietnam has consistently produced world-class badminton players. Nguyen Thuy linh’s recent successes on the international circuit are a testament to the strength of the national badminton program. Investment in coaching and training facilities is expected to yield further success.

Weightlifting: Historically a strong discipline for Vietnam, weightlifting continues to deliver medals at regional and international competitions. The focus is on nurturing young talent and ensuring fair play, following past concerns regarding doping.

Track and Field: Vietnamese athletes are making strides in track and field events, particularly in long-distance running and jumping. Increased participation in international meets is providing valuable experience and exposure.

E-sports: Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the global e-sports arena. The popularity of games like League of legends and Dota 2 has led to a thriving competitive scene and significant investment from sponsors.

National Sports Schools: These specialized schools provide intensive training in various sports disciplines, catering to students with extraordinary athletic potential.

Grassroots Programs: Initiatives are being launched at the community level to encourage participation in sports and identify promising young athletes.

Scholarships & Funding: Financial assistance is available to talented athletes to help them pursue their sporting dreams without financial constraints.

The Role of International Collaboration

Vietnam is actively seeking collaborations with international sports organizations and coaches to enhance its training methodologies and improve the overall quality of its athletes.

Coaching Exchanges: Bringing in experienced coaches from countries with strong sporting traditions provides valuable insights and expertise.

training Camps Abroad: Sending Vietnamese athletes to train in advanced facilities overseas exposes them to different training techniques and competitive environments.

Joint Research Projects: collaborating with international sports scientists to conduct research on athlete performance and injury prevention.

Infrastructure development: Continued investment in modern sports infrastructure is crucial to support the growing number of athletes and competitions.

Financial Sustainability: Securing long-term funding for sports programs is essential to ensure their continued success.

Combating Doping: Maintaining a strict anti-doping policy is vital to protect the integrity of Vietnamese sport.

Post-Tragedy Support: Providing ongoing psychological support to athletes and the wider sporting community following the Ha Long Bay tragedy is paramount.

Focus on Fundamentals: Master the basic skills of your chosen sport before attempting more advanced techniques.

Prioritize Physical Conditioning: Maintain a rigorous training schedule that includes strength training, endurance training, and flexibility exercises.

Seek Expert Guidance: Work with experienced coaches and trainers who can provide personalized feedback and support.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide the energy and nutrients you need to perform at your best.

embrace Discipline and Perseverance: Success in sport requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to overcome challenges.

The Future of Vietnamese Sport: A Bright Outlook

The unwavering confidence expressed by the Vietnam coach and sporting officials is well-founded.