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"You can watch it on TV, but it's better to watch it live," Rakabuming told Antara. "If I see the national team is on fire, well, maybe it could be 3-0."
Rakabuming, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana, is Indonesia's youngest vice president, having taken office in October 2024 after serving three years as mayor of Surakarta.
Coach Gerald Mervin Vanenburg echoed the vice president's confidence, predicting Indonesia would win in regular time. The Dutch coach said he does not want the match to go into extra time or a penalty shootout.
"At that point, the outcome would depend on the players' mentality and luck," he said.
In the semifinals, Indonesia defeated Thailand 7-6 in a penalty shootout. Despite that result, Vanenburg said the players have not practiced penalties ahead of the final, but if it comes to that, they will win.
Local sports journalists also believe the trophy will remain in Indonesia.
On CNN Indonesia, reporter M. Rizki H predicted a 3-1 victory for Vanenburg's side. His colleague Nova Arifianto forecast a 2-2 draw, noting Vietnam have not faced strong opponents yet, as they only played Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Reporter Surya Sumirat said Indonesia would win 3-2, if they score first.
"Vietnam's playing style is like Thailand's, so Indonesia cannot afford to waste chances. If Vietnam score first, it will be hard to come back," he said.
Reporter Haryanto Tri Wibowo said: "With our strongest lineup available, Indonesia have a much better chance than Vietnam. But if the match goes into extra time and penalties, Vietnam's chances will increase."
Vietnam and Indonesia are both past champions of this tournament. Indonesia won in 2019 after defeating Thailand 2-1 in the final, while Vietnam claimed back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, beating Thailand and Indonesia. This marks the second consecutive final between the two teams.
