Jarkata, 30 July, 2025 – Vietnam U23’s 1-0 triumph over Indonesia in the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship final was not without drama. In the final minutes at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, tensions rose when Indonesian players and coaching staff accused Vietnam of deliberately placing water bottles along the sideline to disrupt their throw-ins.
The incident occurred as Indonesia, known for their dangerous long throw-ins, attempted to launch late attacks. Vietnam’s assistants were seen repeatedly lining up water bottles near the touchline, prompting protests from the host team. The situation escalated, and one member of Indonesia’s coaching staff was shown a red card for dissent.
After the match, head coach Kim Sang Sik dismissed claims of gamesmanship.
“The weather was very hot, and we arranged the water bottles there simply so that our players could stay hydrated. There was no intention to interfere with Indonesia’s throw-ins,” Kim explained.
Despite the controversy, Vietnam’s defense remained solid, neutralizing Indonesia’s aerial threats and set-piece routines. The narrow victory secured Vietnam’s third consecutive ASEAN U23 title, further solidifying their dominance in the region.
Lam Van
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