Vietnam's national football team recently secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Indonesia in the ASEAN Cup, but the aftermath of the match has been marred by controversy. Indonesian defender Justin Hubner suggested that Vietnam's win was against a 'B team', implying that the absence of several key players diminished the significance of the victory.

Hubner pointed out that Indonesia was unable to call up 15 players based in Europe due to their clubs not releasing them for the tournament. This situation arose because the ASEAN Cup 2026 is not recognized within FIFA's official competition framework, allowing clubs to retain their players. Hubner himself was also unable to participate as his club, Fortuna Sittard from the Netherlands, did not release him, despite his inclusion in the initial squad.

He noted that the absence of several high-profile players, including Maarten Paes, Emil Audero, and Kevin Diks, significantly weakened Indonesia's lineup. The total market value of the Indonesian squad that participated in the ASEAN Cup was approximately 9 million euros, compared to an estimated 40 million euros if all players had been available, including Jay Idzes, who plays in Serie A.

Despite the claims made by Hubner, it is essential to recognize that Vietnam's victory should not be diminished. The Vietnamese squad, valued at around 6.63 million euros, showcased their collective strength and tactical prowess, defeating a team that had previously bested them in World Cup qualifiers. Coach Kim Sang Sik even opted to bench two naturalized players, demonstrating the depth of talent available to the team.

As the teams prepare for the FIFA ASEAN Cup later this year, where Indonesia will likely field a stronger squad, the discussions surrounding this match highlight the competitive nature of Southeast Asian football. Vietnam's recent performance serves as a reminder of their status as the reigning champions of the ASEAN Cup, and their ability to compete effectively, regardless of the opponent's lineup.