The Indonesian minister believes that the home team will beat Vietnam
*Vietnam - Indonesia: 8pm Saturday, August 26, on MetaSports.
"I am very optimistic about the national U23 team. Based on the statistics against Vietnam and what we show when we meet them in the SEA Games, Indonesia will win," Dito told the Indonesian press on the sidelines of a conference. conference in Bandung on August 25.
Indonesia attended U23 Southeast Asia with a strong squad, including nine new players who won the 32nd SEA Games gold medal three months ago such as goalkeeper Ernando Ari, defender Haykal Alhafiz, Alfeandra Dewangga, Bagas Kafffa, midfielder Bekham Putra, striker Ramadhan Sananta... In this tournament, Indonesia beat Vietnam 3-2 in the semi-finals.
At U23 Southeast Asia, Indonesia did not impress in the group stage. After losing to Malaysia 1-2, struggling to win Timor Leste 1-0, they only won the "ticket" to enter the semi-finals as the second team with the best record, partly thanks to Vietnam defeating the Philippines in the last round. Coach Shin Tae-yong therefore received a lot of criticism, even being asked to resign by fans. However, the team from the land of ten thousand islands seemed to make a change when entering the semi-finals, playing impressively and defeating host Thailand 3-1.
Encouraged the home team, but Minister Dito reminded the young Indonesian players to stay calm. At the 32nd SEA Games final, when they beat Thailand 5-2 after 120 minutes, Indonesia left a bad impression with a scuffle in extra time, causing them to be condemned by fans.
"Of course, the players need to maintain politeness and true sportsmanship. They should not let their emotions overwhelm them and lose their composure," added Mr. Dito.
The final match with Vietnam is also an opportunity for coach Shin to win the first title with Indonesia. The Korean strategist has been appointed as the chief architect for football in the Land of Ten Thousand Islands since 2020. But so far, although he has led many youth groups and teams, he has never won a championship.
