Indonesia media praises Vietnam's 'complete dominance' in U23 Southeast Asian football

By Hoang An July 30, 2025 | 02:48 am PT

Coach Kim Sang-sik (C) and captain Khuat Van Khang lift the trophy for Vietnam at the ASEAN U23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta on July 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Tu

Indonesian media praised the strength of Vietnam's youth football following their victory over Indonesia in the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship final Tuesday night.

"With three consecutive titles at the ASEAN U23 Championship, Vietnam have established complete dominance in the region," Liputan6, one of Indonesia's top digital news outlets, wrote. "Despite facing intense pressure from tens of thousands of fans at Bung Karno Stadium, Vietnam remained composed. Their players showed discipline, resilience and excellent organization throughout the match."

The news site emphasized that while Vietnam national team achievements may vary, their U23 success reflects strong football potential and the results of the country’s youth football development policies in recent years.

The ASEAN U23 Championship was first held in 2005, but after a long hiatus, it resumed in 2011. Since its third edition, Vietnam have won every tournament. In 2022, under coach Dinh The Nam, Vietnam defeated Thailand twice, once in the group stage and again 1-0 in the final. In 2023, coach Hoang Anh Tuan led the team to a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Indonesia in the final held in Thailand.

This year, coach Kim Sang-sik was tasked with defending the title in Indonesia. His team defeated Laos and Cambodia in the group stage, overcame the Philippines in the semifinals, and met hosts Indonesia in the final. While Indonesia had the home advantage, Vietnam fielded more experienced players and benefited from a more favorable schedule. They won 1-0 thanks to the only goal by 19-year-old Nguyen Cong Phuong.

After the match, Indonesia key forward Jens Raven praised Vietnam's defense.

"Vietnam defended very well," Raven told Bola. "It was very difficult for us to create chances. I had an early opportunity from a header, but couldn't finish it well. I'm sorry we couldn't win the title this time, but I promise Indonesia will come back stronger."

Despite the loss, Raven finished as the tournament's top scorer with seven goals, six of which came in Indonesia's 8-0 win over Brunei. American-born Otu Banatao, who plays for the Philippines, followed with three goals. Vietnam's striker Nguyen Dinh Bac was named the tournament's best player.

Dinh Bac had several tense moments with Indonesia captain Kadek Arel during the match, but the two still shook hands at the final whistle.

"Of course we’re disappointed," Kadek said. "But I want to congratulate U23 Vietnam. Hopefully, Indonesia will perform better in the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers this September."