Indonesia’s Performance – When it comes to the Southeast Asian football scene, there’s always a little friendly rivalry between the nations, and the 2024 AFF Cup was no exception. Indonesia’s national team made quite the impression, not just with their skillful performances, but with their strong team spirit and tactical maturity. It didn’t go unnoticed by their regional rivals—especially Vietnam. The praise from Vietnam for Indonesia’s performance was genuine, and it came down to several key factors that highlighted the growing strength of Indonesian football. So, let’s break down why Vietnam gave such high praise to Indonesia during the 2024 AFF Cup.
5 Reasons Why Vietnam Praised Indonesia’s Performance in the 2024 AFF Cup
1. Strong Tactical Approach and Discipline
One of the first things that stood out to Vietnam’s footballing community was Indonesia’s disciplined and organized approach to the game. Vietnam, known for their own tactical sophistication, couldn’t help but admire how Indonesia kept their defensive shape intact while launching counterattacks that were fast and efficient. The way Indonesia adapted to the pressure of the tournament, particularly in high-stakes matches, was a clear sign that their coaching staff had instilled a solid tactical foundation.
I remember watching one of the group-stage games where Indonesia faced a strong opponent, and despite being under pressure, they showed exceptional composure. The fullbacks stayed disciplined, and even when Vietnam’s attack ramped up, Indonesia’s defensive line held steady. For a team that was often underestimated, this level of organization was impressive. It was clear that Indonesia’s defensive game had been finely tuned—no wonder the Vietnamese praised their defensive resilience.
2. Improved Individual Performances
Another reason why Vietnam appreciated Indonesia’s performance was due to the standout individual displays. Players like Egy Maulana Vikri and Zulfahmi Arifin put on stellar performances, showing that Indonesia is no longer just relying on one or two key players. Vietnam could see how the depth of Indonesia’s squad had improved, and that made them a more formidable opponent.
I remember watching Egy Maulana in action—his dribbling skills were razor-sharp, and his ability to create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations was one of the highlights of the competition. What struck me, and likely Vietnam’s analysts, was how these players were not only able to perform in big moments but also under the tactical pressure that came with the tournament’s intensity.
Vietnam’s footballing experts also took notice of how Indonesia’s younger players rose to the occasion. In past tournaments, Indonesia’s youth players sometimes lacked the maturity to take on big challenges, but now, those same players were showing they could hold their own. In a competition like the AFF Cup, it’s the players who step up under pressure that make the biggest impact, and that’s exactly what Indonesia demonstrated.
3. Commitment to Teamwork and Unity
While individual talent was crucial, Vietnam also noticed Indonesia’s commitment to teamwork and unity on the pitch. The Indonesian team’s cohesion was one of the most talked-about aspects of their performance. In previous tournaments, Indonesia often struggled with maintaining that “team-first” mentality when the going got tough, but in 2024, they showcased a level of camaraderie and unity that was difficult to overlook.
I vividly remember a particular moment when the whole team celebrated after a tough win, and it wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about the effort put in by everyone. From the attacking players to the defenders, each member of the squad seemed genuinely invested in each other’s success. That type of team spirit can make a world of difference, and I think it’s something Vietnam recognized as a sign of maturity and progress within the Indonesian squad.
4. Resilience in High-Pressure Situations
Vietnam couldn’t help but respect Indonesia’s resilience under pressure. The AFF Cup is notorious for its high-stakes matches, and it’s easy for teams to crack when they’re on the back foot. But what made Indonesia stand out was their ability to bounce back from adversity. In particular, their performance in penalty shootouts and matches where they were trailing was extraordinary.
A specific game comes to mind: Indonesia was down 1-0 and faced a relentless opponent. Instead of crumbling, they fought back with intensity, equalizing and even finding ways to attack. Vietnam knows that resilience is key in tournaments like this, and they saw that Indonesia was learning from its past mistakes. The Indonesian team’s ability to stay calm, even in tight situations, earned them the respect of the entire region, including Vietnam.
5. Impressive Development of Indonesian Football
Lastly, what really stood out to Vietnam was how Indonesia’s performance in the 2024 AFF Cup reflected the rapid development of Indonesian football as a whole. Whether it was the improvements in youth development or the growing influence of international coaches and football infrastructure, Vietnam could see that Indonesia was making serious strides to close the gap with regional powerhouses like themselves, Thailand, and Malaysia.
I’ve been following Indonesian football for a while, and the transformation has been noticeable. The team’s overall technical skills, like ball control, passing accuracy, and tactical awareness, have improved significantly in recent years. Vietnam could tell that Indonesia was no longer just relying on a few seasoned players; they had developed a system that worked, with a solid mix of young talent and experienced hands. This progress is something that cannot be ignored, and I think it’s one of the main reasons Vietnam praised Indonesia’s performance.
The 2024 AFF Cup has left us all with some memorable moments, and Vietnam’s praise of Indonesia isn’t just a compliment—it’s a recognition of Indonesia’s growth as a footballing nation. From tactical discipline to the rise of individual talents and overall resilience, Indonesia proved they are a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asian football. As the competition moves forward, we can expect to see even more exciting performances from the Indonesian squad, and I wouldn’t be surprised if other nations start to take notes on how to deal with the growing threat that is Indonesian football.
Who knows? The 2024 AFF Cup may have been the beginning of something even greater for Indonesian football. I, for one, can’t wait to see how this team evolves in the future!
