Indonesian billionaire advises home team to play aggressively against U23 Vietnam

President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), billionaire Erick Thohir affirmed that U23 Indonesia needs to play fiercely when necessary in the final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship against U23 Vietnam.

PSSI President - Mr. Erick Thohir wants U23 Vietnam to compete fiercely in the final. Photo: AFF .

“We are the host, we cannot let them bully us. If U23 Vietnam plays rough, we must also respond harshly here. Of course, we do not want to play violently, nor hurt our colleagues, but we need to be ready to clash when necessary,” PSSI President Erick Thohir told the press in the archipelago after U23 Indonesia won a ticket to the final of the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Games.

The head of Indonesian football affirmed that U23 Indonesia is not allowed to be inferior, especially when playing against a strong opponent like U23 Vietnam. He asked the home team to show their mettle at home at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

In the semi-finals, U23 Indonesia defeated U23 Thailand in a thrilling penalty shootout. The match ended with a score of 1-1 after 90 minutes of official play and 2 extra periods.

In the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, the tournament’s host team won 7-6 and qualified for the final match. This is the third time in history that Indonesia U23 has made it to the final of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament, after 2019 and 2023.

In the 2019 final, U23 Indonesia defeated U23 Thailand to win the championship. But in the 2023 tournament, they lost to U23 Vietnam on penalties. Goalkeeper Ernando Ari missed the decisive kick in that match, leaving U23 Indonesia's championship dream unfinished.

Recalling old memories, Mr. Thohir expressed his confidence that this time will be different. “Last year in Thailand, the match was very fierce. This time, if they play rough, we will also respond. There is no reason to back down,” the head of PSSI emphasized.

The final match between U23 Indonesia and U23 Vietnam will take place at 8:00 p.m. on July 29. This is the third consecutive time U23 Vietnam has participated in the final match of the tournament, with the goal of defending the Southeast Asian title.

Source: https://znews.vn/ty-phu-indonesia-khuyen-doi-nha-choi-quyet-liet-truoc-u23-viet-nam-post1571926.html