Against Vietnam In The Third Place Competition For The U-16 Women's AFF Cup, Indonesian Coach: Same Opportunity

JAKARTA - The U-16 Indonesian Women's National Team is still fighting for third place in the 2025 AFF Putri U-16 Cup. Will face Vietnam U-16, Timo Scheunemann is confident that his team has equal opportunities.

Garuda Pertiwi Muda's move to the final was tackled by Australia U-16 with a score of 0-3 while serving the semifinals on Wednesday, August 26, 2025. Even so, the chance to win third place is still open.

However, the U-16 Indonesian national team still had to fight Vietnam in Friday, August 29, 2025.

Seeing Vietnam being one of the clubs champions, Timo Scheunemann was not discouraged. He believes that his team can perform well, especially according to him, both teams have equal strength.

"Vietnam is fifty-fifty with us. They have been building grassroots for a long time. If you look at the team in this tournament, the strength is equal. So, our chances are open," said Timo Scheunemann in a statement quoted on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

In addition, Timo also said that trust in the team arose because he saw the progress of his team. He said, despite losing against Australia, there were many lessons that led to it.

In fact, two lessons were taken by the coach after his team faced Australia. First, how can his team be calmer when they win the ball. Second, the discipline in the assignment persists so that there are no loopholes that opponents can take advantage of.

"If we can pass just two or three passes, the game will definitely develop. All players can actually play, but after winning the ball, it will disappear again quickly. That's what makes us not have a shot on goal," said Timo.

He also emphasized that facing an Australian-class team is not easy. However, he remains proud because the players do not lose the spirit of fighting on the field.

"I told the children, don't lose by the score too far. They prove that they are still trying hard until the end," he said.

According to the schedule, Garuda Pertiwi Muda will face Vietnam in the race for third place in the 2025 AFF Putri U-16 Cup at Manahan Stadium, Solo, at 15.30 WIB.