Vietnam team demonstrates the mettle of champions

From a chance to lead Group A, Kim Sang Sik's men fell to third after a draw with Singapore, and now they must win in the away match at Pakansari Stadium in Indonesia to control their own destiny for a semi-final spot.

Football always has matches where the better team doesn't win. The national teamVietnamcreated many chances against Singapore but lacked composure in the final finishing. More regrettably, their impatience caused them to lose their identity.

After a 7-0 victory over Timor Leste, coach Kim Sang Sik's players entered the match against Singapore with a mindset of wanting to finish the game quickly.

They attacked relentlessly, but grew increasingly impatient as the game went on. The short passes and ball control that are hallmarks of Vietnamese football were gradually replaced by long balls and inaccurate crosses. When the opponent defends in an organized manner, all impatience comes at a cost.

The match at Pakansari Stadium will be much more difficult.Indonesianot only possesses a quality squad but also has home advantage, the passionate support of tens of thousands of fans, and a more relaxed mentality. Coach John Herdman's team has also made an impression with their fast-paced, physically intense style of play, along with many naturalized players capable of making a difference.

Unlike the Vietnamese team, Indonesia is not under pressure to win at all costs. This gives the hosts more tactical options. They can proactively cede possession, wait for Vietnam to become impatient, and then launch quick counterattacks. This is a trap that coach Kim Sang Sik and his players must be extremely wary of.

In fact, the fate is still in Vietnam's hands. If they defeat Indonesia, the situation in Group A will change completely. That is why the players need to enter the match with confidence rather than a heavy mindset after the draw with Singapore.

The most important thing now isthe Vietnam national teammust return to their true selves. They need to control the ball better, stretch Indonesia's formation with short passes, patiently wait for gaps, rather than relying on aerial balls against the hosts' physically superior defenders.

Coach Kim Sang Sik will also have to prove his ability to adjust. The match against Indonesia requires more reasonable calculations in both tactics and personnel. Players like Hai Long, Thanh Long, or Viet Cuong can certainly make a difference if used at the right time.

There is no denying that Indonesia has many advantages, but that also means almost all the pressure is on the Vietnamese team. In football, pressure is sometimes the catalyst for great teams to show their character. Champions are not judged by easy wins over weak opponents, but by their ability to get up after setbacks.

Pakansari has brought many unpleasant memories for Vietnamese football. But the past is not the present. The deciding factor lies in how Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Xuan Son, and their teammates respond to the biggest challenge since the start of the tournament.

If they stay calm, play true to their identity, and cherish every opportunity, the Vietnam team can definitely leave Indonesia with a victory.

Champions always have moments when they are doubted. The important thing is to turn that doubt into motivation.

The match at Pakansari is the perfect time for the Vietnam team to prove that they still have the mettle to defend the ASEAN Cup title.