5 reasons why Vietnam won ASEAN U23 Championship for third straight time

Vietnam players pose with the trophy after winning the ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia on July 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Tu

Extensive preparation

Among the 10 participating teams, Vietnam had the most comprehensive preparation. The squad began training on June 26, giving them over three weeks to gear up for their Group B opener against Laos. They also played two friendlies against U23 Taiwan, something their main rivals Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines did not do. Malaysia only managed to play three matches against domestic youth teams.

In fact, Vietnam's preparations date back to September 2024, including quality friendlies against China, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

Draw and schedule advantages

Vietnam also benefited from a favorable draw and match schedule. Placed in a three-team group with Laos and Cambodia, two of the weakest opponents, the defending champions secured a comfortable path to the knockout stage. They beat Laos 3-0, Cambodia 2-1 and edged the Philippines 2-1 in the semifinal.

Indonesia, their opponents in the final, had a more challenging path: an 8-0 win over Brunei, a narrow 1-0 win against the Philippines via an own goal and a goalless draw with Malaysia. In the semifinals, they played 120 minutes against Thailand before winning 7-6 on penalties.

Vietnam's longer rest gave them an edge, particularly in the final. As the game went on, Indonesia struggled to maintain pressure, with several players visibly tired in the last 15 minutes.

Throughout the tournament, Vietnam’s performance improved match by match. The team remained composed, even when challenged, such as Cambodia’s equalizer or the Philippines’ early goal.

Aerial and set-piece ability

Vietnam’s aerial dominance and set-piece execution stood out in this tournament. With an average of six players over 1.8 m tall on the field, Vietnam scored seven of their eight goals from headers or aerial plays. The left flank, featuring Khuat Van Khang and Nguyen Phi Hoang, proved lethal as they played a role in six goals.

Defensively, the team remained solid. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien (1.91 m), along with defenders Pham Ly Duc (1.82 m), Nguyen Hieu Minh (1.84 m), Nguyen Nhat Minh (1.75 m), and Nguyen Van Truong (1.82 m), formed a strong backline. Despite conceding two goals in the tournament, Vietnam’s defense was resilient, particularly against Indonesia’s long-ball tactics.

Coach Kim’s squad selections were also valid. He replaced injured striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan with Le Van Thuan and left out established full-backs Ho Van Cuong and Nguyen Hong Phuc in favor of Nguyen Phi Hoang and Vo Anh Quan, both of whom impressed.

Tactical adaptability and attention to the smallest details

Against the Philippines, Vietnam gave them possession to neutralize their counter-attacking playing style. In the final, they effectively disrupted Indonesia's tactics of using long throw-ins and managed game tempo after taking the lead. The coaching staff also gained attention for using handkerchief signals to deal with a noisy stadium full of opponents' fans, and water bottle placements that drew controversy for allegedly disrupting the opponents' throw-ins.

Just like in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Kim rotated his squad effectively. Only three players, goalkeepers Nguyen Tan and Cao Van Binh and center-back Nguyen Duc Anh, did not feature. Tactical substitutions like putting a key player like Nguyen Dinh Bac on as a substitute against Cambodia and starting Nguyen Xuan Bac and Nguyen Cong Phuong also paid off. Phuong scored the only goal in the final while Dinh Bac went on to win tournament MVP.

VAR's debut in the final and the "curse"

Last but not least, VAR made its debut in the tournament's final, reducing controversial moments and forcing both teams to play cleaner football. Indonesian analyst Justin told Bola that VAR "neutralized tricks and kept the game fair."

Indonesian media also referenced the so-called "curse" of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Indonesia have not won a major final there since the 1987 SEA Games. Since then, they have lost several key finals at home, including the 1997 and 2011 SEA Games and the 2002 and 2010 AFF Cup.