"As the team doctor, I'm responsible for the U23 squad's health," An said before boarding a flight back to Vietnam on 30/7. "Usually, before the match, I arrange the water bottles neatly for the players. But in the final minutes, when things get a little hectic, the bottles might not be as organized. It was purely coincidental, not intentional."

Doctor Truong An (holding the red and white bottle) performs his duties in front of Vietnam's technical area at the end of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 final on the evening of 29/7. Photo: Anh Khoa

In recent years, long throw-ins have become a potent weapon for Indonesian national teams. The senior team has scored several goals from defender Pratama Arhan's throws. In the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament, the hosts had midfielder Robi Darwis, specializing in long and powerful throw-ins from 40 or even 50 meters, posing a threat comparable to corner kicks.

Indonesia continued this tactic in yesterday's final. Whenever awarded a throw-in near Vietnam's penalty area, Robi would launch the ball directly into the box. In the 6th minute, he nearly succeeded, creating a chance for striker Jens Raven, whose close-range header sailed over the crossbar.

During second-half stoppage time, Robi planned another direct throw-in but was obstructed by numerous water bottles. After heated exchanges between the coaching staffs, Robi had to opt for a shorter throw, losing Indonesia's last opportunity.

Water bottles obstructing throw-ins are rare in football. While players are allowed to hydrate during matches, there's no rule about bottle placement concerning a thrower's run-up.

The incident sparked debate on Southeast Asian football forums. Some suggested An, intentionally or not, helped Vietnam thwart a dangerous Indonesian attack. "I was surprised by the attention, receiving so many messages," An commented. "But the greatest joy is the team's victory, bringing the championship cup back to Vietnam."

ASEAN Football, a sports page with over 573,000 followers, posted: "How to counter Indonesia's dangerous throw-ins?", accompanied by a picture of dozens of water bottles scattered in front of Vietnam's technical area.

"Vietnam's clever tactics caught attention during the match," the Southeast Asian football page wrote. "Along the boundary line of Vietnam's technical area, a row of water bottles was neatly arranged. And it wasn't by chance. The main purpose was to limit Robi's run-up space. Thus, Indonesia couldn't execute their throw-in strategy. Vietnam's method was intelligent, simple, and effective."

Doctor An poses with midfielder Viktor Le at Jakarta airport, Indonesia, on 30/7, before departing for Vietnam. Photo: Anh Khoa

Many regional fans agreed with the assessment. User @not_rajvinder commented: "Vietnam really prepared thoroughly for this match. Well done." @Anuar Abdul Malik added: "Tactics in football don't just happen on the field, but off it as well."

Other fans argued that instead of complaining, Robi could have moved the bottles. @Abu Thariq II commented: "He can throw the ball in, but can't throw the bottles away?"

The Vietnam U23 team is currently en route back to Vietnam, with an estimated arrival time of 5:05 PM at Tan Son Nhat Airport, TP HCM.

Duc Dong