Vietnam Losing Three Key Players Before ASEAN Cup: Indonesia Is Deceiving Itself

When Bola.com of Indonesia published the list of Vietnam national team injuries with the three names Van Vi, Hoang Duc, and Duy Manh, forums in the archipelago burst into laughter. They see it as a miraculous sign opening a historic opportunity for their team in the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup. But are Indonesians rushing too quickly? I have followed Southeast Asian football for two decades, witnessing too many times when teams considered 'remnants' rose the strongest. Football is not calculated by the number of stars on paper. And if Indonesia believes that Vietnam will collapse just because they lack a few key players, they are repeating the mistake they made themselves at AFF Cup 2026, when they had to play without many key players yet still reached the semifinals. Let's look at the specific context. The ASEAN Cup (formerly AFF Cup) is always one of the most fiercely competitive arenas in the region, where tactics and fighting spirit often outweigh individual quality. Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam has defined a fast-transition style, utilizing the speed of wingers like Van Vi. In the 3-0 victory over Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Van Vi opened the scoring, and Hoang Duc contributed two assists. These two formed the core framework in the team's sharp counter-attacks. Duy Manh, a pillar in defense, though not outstanding in attacking stats, brings solidity and experience. However, this is exactly the point that Indonesian media overlook. They only see the absence of names that have made an impact, without considering the squad depth and the coaching staff's tactical flexibility. In a long tournament like the ASEAN Cup, no team relies solely on three individuals. Coach Kim Sang Sik has repeatedly demonstrated flexibility in rotating the squad in the V.League and friendlies. Vietnam still has other quality players like Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Quang Hai, and young talents eager to prove themselves. Let's analyze the actual impact of each absence in more detail. Van Vi, a left winger with astonishing speed, is an important drill in attacking phases. In Kim Sang Sik's tactics, full-backs push high to create surprises in the opponent's final third. Van Vi's absence may cause Vietnam's attack to lose an element of surprise, but it does not necessarily collapse the whole system. Alternatives like Ho Tan Tai or Vu Van Thanh (if called up) have similar physical capabilities. Hoang Duc, a central midfielder with excellent tactical vision, provides decisive passes. But in a harsh environment like the ASEAN Cup, losing a maestro can slow down ball distribution. However, modern football does not depend on a single individual. Nguyen Trong Hoang or Nguyen Tuan Anh (if fit) can share the directing responsibility. Moreover, Hoang Duc's absence might inadvertently create a more direct style, less possession-based but focused on attacking speed – something I, with my philosophy that 'possession is an illusion,' always believe is more effective. What about Duy Manh? The center-back position is always a difficult puzzle when losing a leader. But in defense, the understanding between center-backs is more important than individual ability. The pairing of Que Ngoc Hai and Bui Tien Dung was very harmonious in the past, and if reunited, they could form a solid wall. Additionally, the return of Doan Van Hau (if he reaches peak fitness) will further strengthen the backline. More importantly, I think Indonesia is seeing the issue too superficially. They only remember the 3-0 defeat not long ago but forget that in the first leg at home, Indonesia held Vietnam 1-1 with a highly determined squad. Regional football always has surprises, and relying on the opponent's injuries to build motivation is a double-edged sword. When you place too much expectation on others' absence, you easily lose focus on your own game. Moreover, injuries sometimes become opportunities for young players to explode. World football history has witnessed many stars rising from such adversities. At the 2026 World Cup, Japan lost a few key players but still performed impressively thanks to perfect replacements. Under Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam can take this chance to experiment with new elements, players full of enthusiasm and not burdened by psychological pressure from the past. I recall Vietnam's triumph at AFF Cup 2026, when they also did not have the strongest squad in some matches but still won the title. The spirit of unity and sharpness in counter-attacks helped them overcome challenges. This shows that the mettle of a champion lies not in having enough stars, but in the ability to adapt to circumstances. Indonesia wants to smile? Let them. But football does not forgive complacency. When the ball rolls on the pitch, only real strength and tactics decide. For those who love Vietnamese football, this is the time to trust in the collective, in those ready to fight for the national colors. And as I once said: 'People do not hate those who predict wrongly; they hate those who predict correctly before their time.' Wait and see.