Coach Troussier: 'I have not lost faith in Vietnamese players'

Cambodia was eliminated by Indonesia in the semi-finals of SEA Games 32, but coach Philippe Troussier affirmed that his students have shown their potential and can improve if invested.

* Continued update

"Vietnam entered the match with the goal of winning, so this result disappointed us. However, the players showed their bravery in difficult times. They found an equalizer through their tactics," said coach Troussier after the 2-3 loss at the Olympic Stadium on the afternoon of May 13. "The last-minute loss happened because the team was still young, including many U20 players, so the bravery and experience were not enough to make the right decisions at the important moment. Anyway, I am satisfied with the players. They fought with all their might. I asked the players to change their mindset, to play proactively and attack. This tournament shows that they have improved. We played well against a very strong Indonesia."

Coach Troussier reminded his players to stay calm at the end of the first half of the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the men's football semi-final of the 32nd SEA Games at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh on the afternoon of May 13. Photo: Lam Thoa — Coach Troussier reminded his players to stay calm at the end of the first half of the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the men's football semi-final of the 32nd SEA Games at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh on the afternoon of May 13. Photo: *Lam Thoa*

Vietnam, with the return of their key players, started the game well. The team confidently controlled the ball against Indonesia - an opponent with superior physique and also stronger thanks to the mid-group stage recovery plus an extra day.

Even when they conceded the first goal - when Arhan Pratama threw the ball from the right into the penalty area, allowing defender Trisnanda Komang to head the ball into the box - Coach Troussier's players showed no signs of faltering. After several situations threatening the Indonesian goal, Vietnam finally equalized in a corner kick. The ball was hung into the penalty area for Van Tung to jump high and head the ball back in the 36th minute.

The goal frustrated many Indonesian players, and created a tense atmosphere for the remaining 20 minutes of the match, including extra time. The climax came in the second extra minute, when Trisnanda fiercely tackled Duc Phu, leading to a scuffle between players from both sides.

In terms of technical aspects, Vietnam had a successful match, with 58% possession, 62 attacking attempts, including 27 dangerous shots, although they had fewer shots, only three compared to Indonesia's five.

In the second half, despite being behind for the second time, still from a throw-in by Arhan in the 53rd minute, Coach Troussier's students continued to play calmly. Arhan's indirect red card in the 60th minute helped Vietnam have the advantage of numbers and play easier. With Van Khang and Van Truong entering the field in the 63rd minute, the team increased the pressure and was rewarded with an equalizer in the 78th minute, when Ngoc Thang crossed into the penalty area, causing center-back Bagas Kaffi to fumble the ball into Indonesia's own net.

However, the impatience towards the end caused Vietnam to miss many opportunities, leading to the decisive goal in the 6th minute of injury time, from a quick counter-attack by Indonesia.

Lam Thoa ( from Phnom Penh )

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