"With a hat-trick of Southeast Asian U23 championships, Vietnam completely dominates the region," Liputan6 reported. "Despite playing under pressure from tens of thousands of spectators at Bung Karno Stadium, Vietnam remained unfazed, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and organized play throughout the match."

The newspaper also suggested that the three consecutive U23 championships reflect Vietnam's successful youth development program in recent years.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and captain Khuat Van Khang receive the trophy for Vietnam at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on 29/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Coach Kim Sang-sik and captain Khuat Van Khang receive the trophy for Vietnam at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on 29/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Both teams were considered evenly matched going into the final. While Indonesia had home-field advantage, Vietnam possessed a more experienced squad and had an easier path to the final. As a result, both teams started cautiously.

The turning point came in the 37th minute when 19-year-old midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong scored from close range, giving Kim Sang-sik's team the lead. Vietnam then adopted a defensive approach for the remainder of the match. Indonesia failed to create any truly dangerous opportunities, except for one one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien in the first half.

The Southeast Asian U23 Championship was first held in 2005 but was intermittent, with the second edition taking place in 2011. In the third edition in 2022, Vietnam, under coach Dinh The Nam, emerged victorious. They defeated Thailand in the group stage and then again in the final in Cambodia, also with a 1-0 scoreline.

A year later, coach Hoang Anh Tuan led his team to victory over Indonesia 6-5 in a penalty shootout in the final held in Thailand.

This year, with the national team thriving in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Indonesia was eager to win the championship on home soil. However, with a squad lacking many naturalized players, they struggled. In the final, their attacking hope, Dutch-born striker Jens Raven, was effectively neutralized by Vietnam's central defenders.

After the match, the 1.89m tall striker praised the champions' defense. "Vietnam defended very well and tightly," Raven said. "Therefore, it was very difficult for us to create opportunities. I don't know what to say. I had one chance with a header early in the match, but I didn't make good contact with the ball. I am very sorry that I couldn't bring home the championship this time. But I promise that Indonesia will do it next time."

Raven still finished as the top scorer with 7 goals, including six in the 8-0 win over Brunei in the group stage. The second-highest scorer, Otu Banatao (three goals), was also American-born before representing the Philippines. The tournament's Most Valuable Player award went to striker Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Dinh Bac had several clashes with Indonesia's captain, Kadek Arel, during the match. But after the final whistle, they shook hands. "Of course, we are very disappointed that we couldn't win the championship," Kadek said after the match. "But first, I want to congratulate U23 Vietnam. I hope Indonesia can do better in the U23 Asian qualifiers next September."

Compiled by Hoang An