Three Vietnamese key players injured ahead of ASEAN Cup: Strong reactions from Indonesia

Ahead of the important match in the ASEAN Cup, the Vietnam national football team is facing a series of serious injuries. According to information reported by Vietnamese media, three key players Nguyen Van Vi, Hoang Duc and Do Duy Manh may be absent. This situation not only affects the squad but also changes the entire tactical plan of coach Kim Sang Sik. Reactions from Indonesian media have also been very strong, with many opinions that this is an opportunity for them to exploit the opponent's weaknesses. Nguyen Van Vi, a 2026-born player, often plays as a left winger or wing-back. He is known for his high speed and ability to support attacks from the left flank. In recent matches, Van Vi has been one of the most important players in coach Kim Sang Sik's transition plan. His absence will reduce Vietnam's ability to quickly break pressure, especially on the left flank. Experts analyze that Van Vi plays a key role in creating scoring chances and supporting forwards. According to updated information, Van Vi's injury may be from the muscle or tendon, making it difficult for him to move quickly. This makes the team's high pressing plan difficult to maintain, as no player has the ability to quickly break pressure by running down the flank. Similarly, Hoang Duc, a central midfielder, is also facing injury. He had an impressive performance in the 3-0 win against Indonesia not long ago, where he provided two key assists, helping the home team win easily. Hoang Duc is considered a creative player, with the ability to read situations and provide accurate passes. His absence will affect the quality of chance creation from the central area. In that match, Van Vi and Hoang Duc were mentioned as the "star duo" on the pitch. Now, everything will be different. Hoang Duc usually plays as CM or AM, and his absence will reduce the ability to control the match from the center, especially in transition phases. Do Duy Manh, the key pillar defender or goalkeeper, is also injured. He is one of the most important players in the defense, with the ability to read situations and lead the team. His absence may weaken the solidity of the defense, especially in home matches. Do Duy Manh is usually highly rated for physical strength and quick reactions. His injury may be related to the leg or knee area, making him unable to participate in strong training sessions. The defense will lack a key pillar, affecting pressing and counter-attacking ability. Vietnamese media such as VnExpress and Tuoi Tre have reported in detail on these injuries. According to that, these players may not be able to participate in the first matches at the ASEAN Cup. Coach Kim Sang Sik is having to adjust the tactics without the support of these three pillars. Previously, in the 3-0 match against Indonesia, Vietnam won thanks to high pressing and fast attacking from the flanks. Now, with injuries, this plan is difficult to maintain. Experts say that Van Vi's absence will reduce the ability to break pressure quickly through the left flank, while Hoang Duc's absence will affect creative ability. Do Duy Manh's absence may make the defense shaky. Reactions from Indonesian media are very strong. Newspapers like Kompas.com and Detik.com have published articles titled "Vietnam loses strength" and "Opportunity for Indonesia". They emphasize that Van Vi's injury will weaken the left flank, and Hoang Duc's absence will reduce creative ability. An Indonesian commentator said "Vietnam is in a difficult situation, we will exploit it to win points against the opponent". On social media, many Indonesians comment that "Vietnam's team is now like half its strength is gone". They also compare it to the 3-0 match, where Van Vi and Hoang Duc shone, and say that now Indonesia has the advantage. The absence of these three players not only affects the squad but also the team's morale. In football, injuries are unavoidable, but the absence of key pillars can change the entire tactic. Coach Kim Sang Sik may have to use substitutes like Tran Van Kien or Nguyen Van Thanh to fill the gaps. These players need to be mobilized quickly to maintain form. In previous ASEAN Cup matches, Vietnam always relied on flank players like Van Vi. Now, the plan has changed. Experts advise that Vietnam should find ways to recover for these players as soon as possible. But in the short term, they may lose points to Indonesia. To understand better, we need to look at the history of their matches. Vietnam and Indonesia are two strong teams in Southeast Asia. Their matches are often dramatic, with many goals. The ASEAN Cup is an important competition for Asian teams to prepare for larger tournaments. In the most recent match, Vietnam won 3-0 against Indonesia. It was a match where Van Vi and Hoang Duc shone. Now, with injuries, everything will be different. Other players like Nguyen Quang Huy, Do Hung Dung may be pushed to the forefront. They need to show leadership ability. Nguyen Van Vi was born in 2026 in Hanoi, plays for V.League clubs. He has international experience with over 50 matches for the national team. His speed makes him stand out. Hoang Duc was born in 2026, plays for Binh Duong club. He has the ability to score and assist, especially as a midfielder. Do Duy Manh was born in 2026, plays for TP.HCM club. He is a solid defender, can play both positions. These three players are all familiar faces in recent matches. These three players are pillars. Injuries make the team face difficulties. Indonesia reacts strongly. They see opportunities. Vietnam needs to adjust. Experts advise. But time is limited. The match is near. Players need to focus. Hope they overcome.