Captain Khuat Van Khang (11) in the 2-1 semi-final victory against the Philippines at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 25/7/2025. Photo: Anh Khoa

* Indonesia - Vietnam: 8 p.m. Tuesday 29/7, on VnExpress.

"Vietnam has played very well in this year's Southeast Asian U23 Championship. They have won all their matches so far, advancing straight to the final," Bola began its assessment on 27/7.

The author then recalled Vietnam's victory over Indonesia in the most recent final (2023, 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw). This time, the Indonesian team has home advantage, but Vietnam still has a great chance of winning the championship if the following three players can perform well.

Khuat Van Khang is the first player mentioned. In the opening match against Laos, Vietnam's captain scored the opening goal and then provided an assist in their 3-0 victory. Van Khang is only 22 years old but has extensive international experience, having won the 2024 ASEAN Cup with the Vietnam national team.

"This attacking midfielder is considered an exceptional talent and the future of the Vietnam national team. Van Khang is not only a symbol but also the spiritual leader of the whole team at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship," Bola described. "He has only scored one goal, but his contribution is not just about scoring. Van Khang's creativity and abundant energy are factors that the Indonesia U23 defense needs to be especially wary of."

Nguyen Hieu Minh (4) celebrates his brace in the 3-0 victory over Laos in the group stage. Photo: Anh Khoa

Next is Nguyen Hieu Minh. Playing as a central defender, the 21-year-old talent has also proven dangerous in attacking situations. The PVF player has even scored two goals leading up to the final. "Hieu Minh has had a truly impressive tournament. With his ideal physique, he is very dangerous in Vietnam's set-piece situations," Bola commented.

Hieu Minh was born in 2004 in Thach That, Hanoi. He joined the PVF training center at the age of 9 and once wanted to give up football because of his small stature. However, after training in a professional environment with a good nutritional regime, he improved his physique. In 2022, Hieu Minh began playing professionally for PVF-CAND Club.

With an ideal height of 1.84 m and a weight of 76 kg, Hieu Minh has good aerial ability and effective attacking support. He has made seven appearances for the Vietnam U23 team, scoring three goals.

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac celebrates Vietnam's equalizer in the semi-final against the Philippines. Photo: Anh Khoa

Nguyen Dinh Bac is the only Vietnamese striker currently in good form at the tournament. He has contributed two important goals to help Vietnam reach the final, including the winning goal against Cambodia in the final group stage match and the equalizer in the 2-1 comeback victory against the Philippines in the semi-final.

"Dinh Bac often operates on the right wing. This means that the Indonesia U23 left-back will have to maintain high concentration throughout the match to contain this 20-year-old player," Bola analyzed.

The final between Vietnam and Indonesia will take place at 8 p.m. on 29/7 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. If Indonesia wins, they will equal Vietnam's number of titles in this tournament (2). Meanwhile, if Vietnam wins, Kim Sang-sik will become the first Vietnam coach to win a regional title at both the national team and U23 levels in his first time in charge.

Duc Dong