Doha. The Indonesia National Football Team will face Vietnam in the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 match, with the match scheduled to kick off on Friday at 21:30 WIB. Both teams have lost their first match, with Indonesia losing 3-1 to Iraq and Vietnam losing 2-4 to Japan. The stakes could not be higher with both teams needing to win if they want a chance of making it to the next round. 
 
Coach Shin Tae-Yong assured Team Garuda supporters that he is bringing an improved strategy to the match against the Golden Star Warriors.

"I would like to tell fans back in Indonesia to expect a good result for tomorrow's match,” said the South Korean coach at a press conference on Thursday. 

Concerns have been raised about several Indonesian players who were injured in their previous match against Iraq. Centre-back Rizky Ridho, right-back Asnawi Mangkualam, and center-back Jordi Amat all suffered injuries. Coach Shin is predicted to implement a 3-4-3 formation to compensate for the setback in Indonesia's defensive stronghold. The midfield-heavy formation could prove to be effective, particularly against Vietnam, as they are expected to employ a similar 3-4-2-1 formation.
 
The clash between Indonesia and Vietnam is a must-watch for Southeast Asian football fans. In their last 11 head-to-head, Vietnam has won five times while Indonesia has only won twice. Indonesia hasn't won against Vietnam since the 2016 SEA Games, making Indonesia the underdog in tonight's match. The last meeting between both teams took place in the semi-final of the 2022 AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Cup. It ended in a 0-0 draw in Jakarta, followed by a 0-2 defeat for Indonesia in Hanoi.

However, Coach Shin did not seem overly concerned by this track record.

"The past is in the past," said Shin, "We have an asset in these new, young players...we're going to show up better than our previous meeting (with Vietnam)." 

Coach Shin was rather vague when questioned about the tactics Indonesia would employ tonight. He assured that a strategy-oriented approach would be employed against Vietnam.

"I have my football style," Shin said. "I simply request my players to adopt my style. We won't be showcasing kick-and-rush, old-fashioned, counter-attacking football in tomorrow's match."

Even though Indonesia has the youngest squad in the Asian Cup with an average age of 24 years old, team captain Mangkualam shared Shin's optimism. "This is a very young team and we are improving every day".  

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Coach Philippe Troussier, who previously coached Japan, said he is expecting a strong challenge against Indonesia. 

"The strength of Indonesia is spirit...they prove against Iraq that, despite losing, they show a strong spirit," he said.

Troussier pointed out 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marselino Ferdinan, who plays for Belgian club Deinze, and 20-year-old forward Rafael Struick, who plays at ADO Den Haag, as individual players to watch out for. "Also their central midfield seems strong," he added. 
 
Players to Watch
Indonesia's match against Iraq showcased some amazing young talent from the Garuda squad. There are a few players in particular that Indonesian football fans are excited to watch in tonight's match. 
 
Elkan Baggot
Elkan Baggot proved himself a defensive force in Indonesia's previous match against Iraq. Even though Indonesia conceded three goals, the Ipswich Town defender displays a fearless approach, willingly putting his body on the line with precise timing, even if it means risking yellow cards. His tenacious defensive style will come in handy against Vietnam's persistent offensive. 
 
Ivar Jenner
A creative and selfless midfielder, Ivar Jenner created cohesion between Garuda's front and back lines during Monday's game. Jenner, who plays for Eredivisie club Utrecht, crafts passes directly to the penalty area, an essential if Indonesia wants to create goals and secure the three points. 
 
Yakob Sayuri
Yakob Sayuri had an impressive game against Iraq. He nutmegged an Iraqi defender, creating the assist that led to Indonesia's only goal. Garuda fans are eager to see the same level of control and swiftness from the PSM Makassar winger once again when facing Vietnam.
  
The 2023 Asian Cup began on Jan. 12 and will conclude on Feb. 10, 2024. Indonesia is placed in Group D alongside Iraq, Japan, and Vietnam. Indonesia is set to encounter Vietnam on Jan. 19 at 21:30 WIB, with the final group stage match scheduled against Japan on Jan. 24.

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