Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo has invited Indonesia to come out with an attacking approach when both sides meet in a crunch AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 Group B encounter at Singapore's Bishan Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams head into the tie with a perfect record of two wins so far, but the match will be the first real test that the Indonesians -- regarded as dark horses at the tournament -- face, after comfortable victories over Cambodia and Laos.
- Vietnam still the team to beat after crushing Malaysia
- Indonesia rout Laos for second statement of intent
- Don't miss The John Dykes Show, with all new episodes each Friday on Disney+ Hotstar. Click here to join the conversation!
Vietnam issued a statement of intent last time out when they beat Malaysia 3-0 in a rematch of the 2018 final, and look an excellent chance to retain the title.
An already-intriguing contest was further ignited in Tuesday's pre-match press conference, when Park was made aware of comments from Indonesian media suggesting his team have not been impressive in their opening two matches.
"If they feel that we haven't looked strong in our two wins so far, they can come out and attack us," said a bemused Park while chuckling to himself.
"We will welcome that."
Any attempt by Indonesia to be overly adventurous is likely to play into the hands of Vietnam, given they had excelled adopting a counterattacking style of play under Park.
Nonetheless, the comments could well be a move by the respective countries' media to fan the flames, given both Park and his Indonesia counterpart and compatriot Shin Tae-yong have been previously been complimentary about one another.
With a three-point lead at the top of Group B ahead of the final round of matches the prize on offer in Wednesday's game, both sides will have no shortage of motivation as they look to move one step closer to sealing a semifinal berth.
It does however seem like Indonesia's preparations have had some unwanted distractions, although Shin was not ready to elaborate further.
"We are calm and ready for the match, but there have been some unexpected matters that have happened," revealed the former South Korea coach.
"I will save the details of this for after the match.
"What I can confirm is that all the boys are improving in many areas of our play, and I believe the Indonesia fans share the same belief that we're moving forward as a team."