Vietnam and Indonesia are an even matchup in their Group D face-off at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, according to Vietnam's head coach Philippe Troussier.

“We are in a 50-50 percent [sic] situation,” Troussier said at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“Tomorrow’s match will be difficult for both Vietnam and Indonesia.

“The players must enter the game with a fighting spirit, like playing in the SEA Games or AFF Cup final. 

“Everyone knows the team winning this match will have a great chance to advance.”

Indonesia’s key strengths lie in their cohesive teamwork and well-balanced offensive strategies, complemented by robust and determined defensive players, Troussier explained, though he also noted that Vietnam are confident and well-prepared for the upcoming battle.

“The match against Indonesia is part of the process to get past the group stage,” he said. 

Aside from Indonesia, Vietnam will also face Iraq in Group D play.

“Our goal is to get a maximum of six points through the two matches,” Troussier said.

"If not, we must try to get the points needed, plus a goal difference, to advance. We can determine our fate. Indonesia probably think the same."

During the opening round of play, Vietnam suffered a 2-4 defeat against Japan, while Indonesia wound up with a 1-3 loss to Iraq. 

As such, the upcoming match between Vietnam and Indonesia is critically important to each team’s future in the tournament, considering only the top two teams from each group and the four best-performing third-place teams from the six groups will qualify for the knockout stage. 

Troussier emphasized that Vietnam will persist in its strategy of heavily offensive play, mirroring the approach the team took in its match against Japan.

“It’s not surprising that Vietnam lost to Japan, but the details of the match showed that we were very strong and also had the ability to keep possession,” the 68-year-old French coach said.

“Before the match, we understood that it would be very dangerous to let Japan have a lot of time on the ball. 

“We had to minimize the danger by taking back possession. 

“In the next match, we need to maintain that [strategy]. 

“Indonesia are very strong mentally and have an aggressive playing style, so we need to keep possession.”

The Vietnam-Indonesia match is scheduled for 9:30 pm on Friday (Vietnam time) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. 

It will be broadcast live on national TV channel VTV5 and on the FPT platform.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup, held in Qatar until February 10, includes 24 teams competing in six groups using a round-robin format. 

The top two teams from each group and the four best-performing third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16. 

Reigning champions Qatar are in Group A with China, Tajikistan, and Lebanon, while Group B includes 2015 champions Australia, along with Uzbekistan, Syria, and India. 

Three-time champions Iran are competing against the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Palestine in Group C. 

Vietnam are in Group D with rivals Japan, Iraq, and Indonesia. 

South Korea face Malaysia, Jordan, and Bahrain in Group E, while three-time title holders Saudi Arabia play Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Oman in Group F. 

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