TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian U-23 national team is set to face Vietnam in the final match of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time). Despite being the host, the Garuda Muda squad is predicted to face a fierce challenge from Vietnam, who have been the defending champions in the last two editions.
Head-to-Head
The two countries have faced each other seven times in all competitions since 2015. Out of these seven meetings, Indonesia has only managed to secure one draw and suffered six defeats.
Here are the last seven encounters between the two teams:
ASEAN Cup 2023: Indonesia 0-0 Vietnam (pen 5-6)
SEA Games 2021: Vietnam 3-0 Indonesia
SEA Games 2019: Indonesia 0-3 Vietnam
SEA Games 2019: Vietnam 2-1 Indonesia
AFC U-23 Championship Qualification: Indonesia 0-1 Vietnam
SEA Games 2017: Vietnam 0-0 Indonesia
SEA Games 2015: Vietnam 5-0 Indonesia
Teams' Journey During the Tournament
Vietnam, under the guidance of Kim Sang-sik, has shown confidence throughout the tournament. They managed to turn the tables and eliminate the Philippines with a 2-1 victory in the semifinals. Their fast-paced game with midfield domination and high fighting spirit has been their key strength.
Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Xuan Bac have been the driving force in the attacking line. These two players have often created scoring opportunities from set-pieces and open play schemes.
On the other hand, the Garuda Muda faced a tough path to reach the final by defeating Thailand in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. Under coach Gerald Vanenburg, the team managed to outlast the White Elephants with a 7-6 score. Throughout the tournament, Indonesia showed solid defense by conceding only one goal in the semifinals during regular time and topped Group A without conceding any goals.
The Garuda Muda is likely to play without full strength. Indonesia will be without two of their key midfielders, Toni Firmansyah and Arkhan Fikri, who have been unfit since the beginning of the tournament. This condition forces coach Gerald Vanenburg to make rotations and prepare different strategies due to the absence of several key players.
Coaches' Comments
Gerald Vanenburg aims for a victory within regular time, although prepared to face a penalty shoot-out scenario as in the match against Thailand. "It depends on the players' mentality and luck. We saw exceptional mentality from the boys in the semifinal, and we were lucky," he said on Monday, July 28, 2025.
He ensures that the players will be fully focused on implementing the game strategy instead of feeling pressure to claim the title. "I don't care too much about that, I just focus on the team, giving our best. If there are those who don't like me, the important thing is that my family likes me," said the Dutch coach.
Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is confident in defeating Indonesia in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final. He evaluates that the preparation has been going well, and the players' performance has been consistently improving throughout the tournament. "We believe we can win the match against Indonesia," he said.
Kim has analyzed Indonesia's matches during the tournament to devise strategies to counter the aggressiveness of the Garuda squad. "We are fighting to reach the final. Likewise with Indonesia. Tomorrow there will be many supporters cheering for Indonesia. We are preparing the players to be ready to face all the pressure," he added.
Predictions
Despite never having won in their previous encounters, this match becomes a moment for Kadek Arel and his teammates to break the negative record and become the tournament champions. Moreover, Gerard Vanenburg's team enjoys full support from the fans as the host, which serves as an advantage to win the match. However, this could also become a pressure if they are not focused on the planned strategy by the coach.
On the other hand, Vietnam is ambitious to secure their third consecutive title. The Golden Star Warriors may dominate ball possession, while Indonesia relies on quick transitions and set-piece schemes.
Predicted Starting Line-ups
Indonesia U-23 (4-3-3): Muhammad Ardiansyah; M. Alfharezzi Buffon, Kakang Rudianto, Kadek Arel Priyatna, Dony Tri Pamungkas; Arkhan Fikri, Robi Darwis, Rayhan Hannan; Victor Dethan, Rahmat Arjuna, Jens Raven
Coach: Gerald Vanenburg
Vietnam U-23 (3-4-3): Tran Trung Kien; Phm Le Van Ha, Nguyen Huu Duc, Nguyen Ngc Anh; Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Phi Hoang; Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Dinh Bac
Coach: Kim Sang-sik
Arkhelaus Wisnu Triyogo and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia U-23 National Team vs Vietnam: Gerald Vanenburg Must Be Careful
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