Coach Hoang Van Phuc: 'Waiting for Vietnam national team to overcome difficulties'

The away trip to Pakansari Stadium against Indonesia is a crucial match in Vietnam's quest for a semifinal berth in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. If they can resolve this "bottleneck", coach Kim Sang Sik will reassert their position and shed the current overwhelming pressure.

Regarding the decisive match for Vietnam's semifinal ticket, Coach Hoang Van Phuc shared: "Clearly, the goalless draw against Singapore at My Dinh has pushed Vietnam into a tight situation. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team must secure all three points in the away match against Indonesia to have their fate in their own hands for the semifinal spot."

If they win, Vietnam will have 7 points after three matches, surpassing Indonesia and brightening their chances of securing one of the two semifinal spots. In case of a draw with Indonesia, Vietnam would have 5 points, still having a chance but must beat Cambodia in the final match and wait for the result between Indonesia and Singapore.

If they lose to Indonesia, Vietnam will have only 4 points, while Indonesia will increase to 9 points and secure their advancement. In that case, Vietnam faces a huge risk of being eliminated and becoming the former champion right from the group stage."

Coach Hoang Van Phuc opined: "Nevertheless, the door to advancement remains open if Vietnam can demonstrate their ability, value, and courage at this sensitive and crucial moment. The power to decide is still in their hands, but the prerequisite is to immediately improve their goal-scoring efficiency. The coaching staff needs to quickly find a solution to the personnel puzzle, diversify approaches to the goal, and boost the mentality of the strikers."

Coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff need to quickly boost morale and relieve the complacent mentality of their players. Transforming confidence into real competitive courage on the away pitch will be the decisive factor in Vietnam's ambition to defend their title at this year's tournament.

To achieve a favorable result away from home, what Vietnam needs most now is the composure of their forwards. They must find a solution to improve the effectiveness of the attack in this decisive battle.

Besides the "lack of luck" in scoring against Singapore, the core issue lies in the tactical imbalance in midfield. Operating two attack-minded midfielders, Hoang Duc and Quang Hai, simultaneously has left a large gap in long-range defense.

Both possess excellent playmaking vision but are limited in ball-winning and recovery abilities. Therefore, when opponents regain possession and launch counterattacks, Vietnam's defense is exposed due to the lack of a distant defensive shield."

Coach Hoang Van Phuc believes that the task of winning three points at Pakansari Stadium is never easy but not impossible: "Indonesia currently boasts a strong squad with 12 naturalized players who have played in Europe, notably midfield duo Thom Haye and Ivar Jenner. With abundant physical strength and modern thinking, the home team promises to create much fiercer pressing pressure."

In this situation, Coach Kim Sang Sik needs brave decisions and breakthrough changes in personnel and system to prove that the recent draw with Singapore was just a "stumble" on the path to defending the championship.

A victory over Indonesia would not only help Vietnam surpass their direct rival on the standings but also relieve heavy psychological pressure. Conversely, any slip-up could end their journey at the 2026 ASEAN Cup right from the group stage.

Facing a strong and hungry opponent, this is the time for Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players to show their ability to overcome difficulties and prove the mettle of the reigning Southeast Asian champions."