Is Coach Philippe Troussier Destroying Vietnamese Football? The Bitter Defeat and ControversiesHoanas with Vietnam National Team

On March 21, the Vietnam National Team faced a disappointing 0-1 loss to Indonesia at the Bung Karno Stadium during the World Cup 2026 Group F match. Vo Minh Trong’s goal came from a crucial mistake in a lackluster game where no shots on target were made. Coach Philippe Troussier’s overly conservative tactics left fans frustrated.

The match saw Troussier benching key players like Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Van Toan, and Nguyen Quang Hai, despite their quality. The decision to continue attacking with a lead resulted in defensive mistakes, leading to Vietnam’s defeat. Troussier’s approach to the game is increasingly being questioned by supporters.

Troussier’s track record with the national team and U23 Vietnam has been disappointing, with only four wins in over a year. The team’s performance in official tournaments has not lived up to expectations, with defeats at the 2023 Asian Cup and struggles in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Despite once being a regional powerhouse, Vietnam has plummeted in the world rankings under Troussier’s tenure, from 94th to a potential 112th place. Their recent losses to Indonesia further highlight the team’s decline under Troussier’s leadership.

Ahead of the match, Troussier made controversial comments criticizing Vietnamese fans and acknowledging the calls for his dismissal. The pressure on Troussier to deliver results is mounting, with the upcoming rematch against Tim Garuda at My Dinh Stadium crucial for his future.

The Vietnamese team and Troussier have an opportunity to redeem themselves in the next match, but doubts remain over the coach’s suitability for the role. With continued poor results, Troussier’s position within the team could become untenable. The upcoming match will be a significant test for Troussier and the team as they seek to turn their fortunes around.