Indonesia, 3 February 2026 – Under the guidance of Diego Giustozzi, Vietnam national futsal team have suffered three consecutive quarterfinal exits at the Asian level. Determined to finally break that barrier, the squad heads into the 2026 quarterfinal with renewed belief as they prepare to face regional rivals Indonesia national futsal team.
Over the past year, Giustozzi’s side has met Indonesia twice, both times against teams coached by Hector Souto. Their first encounter came in the AFF Cup 2024 final, where Vietnam were short-handed with fewer than 10 fully fit players and eventually lost 0-2. However, Giustozzi insisted that with a full-strength squad, his team would be capable of producing a different outcome.
That prediction proved true at SEA Games 33. Vietnam defeated Indonesia 1-0, ending a six-year winless streak against their regional rivals. The victory restored confidence and planted hope among fans ahead of another showdown at the AFC Asian Futsal 2026 quarterfinals.
This time, Indonesia are considered slight favorites thanks to home advantage. The match will be played at Indonesia Arena, a 16,000-seat venue expected to be packed with passionate local supporters. Souto himself is also a key asset. Having worked in Vietnamese futsal for more than seven years, he knows many Vietnamese players inside out, including Nguyen Thinh Phat, Nguyen Manh Dung, and Chau Doan Phat.
Indonesia’s road to the quarterfinals has been impressive. They remain unbeaten, scoring 11 goals with contributions from seven different players. Iqbal Rahmattulah has emerged as their biggest attacking threat with three goals. Physically strong and energetic, the hosts play an aggressive, high-pressing style that puts constant pressure on opponents.
Giustozzi acknowledged that Indonesia’s style closely mirrors Vietnam’s own approach, making this matchup extremely balanced.
“I think the result could be decided in the final minutes or by a single moment,” he said.
There is also good news for Vietnam. Compared to SEA Games 33, their squad depth has improved significantly. Veterans Chau Doan Phat and Tran Thai Huy have returned, while key pivot Nguyen Thinh Phat has fully recovered from injury. Duong Ngoc Linh is also back after suspension.
Giustozzi expressed confidence:
“We have all 14 players available. That’s very positive. Indonesia are strong and used to playing in front of huge crowds, but I completely trust my players. The key is to stay calm and perform as we do in training.”
Vietnam already faced strong opposition like Thailand in the group stage, exposing weaknesses in finishing and defense that they have since worked to fix. Meanwhile, Indonesia have yet to meet an equally tough test, even though they drew with Iraq.
To be fully prepared, Giustozzi has planned for every scenario, including penalty shootout practice. With sharper tactics, full fitness, and strong determination, Vietnam believe this could finally be the year they overcome the quarterfinal curse and take the next step forward on the continental stage.
Anh Minh
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