Indonesia and Vietnam will clash at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 29/7, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on VnExpress.

Bola recalls Indonesia's 5-6 penalty shootout loss to Vietnam after a 0-0 draw in the 2023 final, viewing this as a significant motivator for the rematch. The leading Indonesian sports newspaper anticipates a captivating final, with Indonesia playing at home in front of tens of thousands of fans.

"Indonesia certainly doesn't want to miss this opportunity, especially with the fervent support of the home crowd. However, the host team still has work to do," Bola begins its 28/7 assessment. The newspaper identifies three key weaknesses Indonesia faces against Vietnam.

Raven scored six goals in Indonesia's 8-0 victory over Brunei in the group stage. Photo: Bola

Raven scored six goals in Indonesia's 8-0 victory over Brunei in the group stage. Photo: Bola

Poor finishing is Bola's primary concern. Indonesia boasts two talented strikers: naturalized player Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka. While Raven leads the tournament in scoring with seven goals, Caraka has yet to find the net. Six of Raven's seven goals came against a weak Brunei side. He was then scoreless against the Philippines (a 1-0 win thanks to an own goal) and Malaysia (a 0-0 draw), before scoring the equalizer in the 1-1 semifinal draw against Thailand.

Indonesia's attacking prowess has noticeably declined in recent matches, a point acknowledged by coach Gerald Vanenburg. "I think my team is weak in finishing. Usually, Jens scores very easily, but not at the moment," the Dutch coach stated before the semifinal against Thailand.

Vulnerability to counterattacks was starkly exposed in the semifinal. Against Thailand, Indonesia dominated possession with 71% and created numerous chances from 16 shots. "However, Thailand was equally impressive with 25 shots, five of which were on target. Indonesia was fortunate to avoid conceding multiple goals from counterattacks," Bola notes. "Thailand's opening goal also came from a clever counterattack by Yotsakorn Burapha. This cannot happen again against Vietnam."

Arkhan Fikri (10) controls the ball during Indonesia's 1-0 victory over the Philippines in the group stage. Photo: Bola

Arkhan Fikri (10) controls the ball during Indonesia's 1-0 victory over the Philippines in the group stage. Photo: Bola

The absence of key players is another concern for Indonesia. Midfielder Arkhan Fikri missed the semifinal against Thailand due to injury and his availability for the final is uncertain. Another midfielder, Toni Firmansyah, is also injured.

Assistant coach Frank Van Kempen confirmed this information. However, he stated that the medical team is working to ensure Arkhan and Toni can play. "I hope one of them can return. Arkhan has a chance to play," Van Kempen said.

The final between Vietnam and Indonesia will kick off at 8 p.m. on 29/7 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. An Indonesian victory would bring their title count level with Vietnam at two. A win for Kim Sang-sik would make him the first Vietnam coach to win a regional title at both the senior and U23 levels in his first stint in charge.

Duc Dong