Another day at the 2024 ASEAN Championship, another near-unrecognisable Indonesia lineup.
Yet, despite being severely undermanned, the Indonesians almost held on for what might have been a crucial point.
But if there is a certainty when coming up against Vietnam, it is that Nguyễn Quang Hải will always be the likeliest to deliver a telling blow.
That proved to be exactly the case at Việt Trì Stadium on Sunday -- with Quang Hải eventually to one to end Indonesia's brave resistance and hand Vietnam a hard-fought 1-0 win that takes them closer to a place in the semifinals.
Having initially seen a stunning 20-yard half-volley come back off the crossbar in the 77th minute, Quang Hải continued to stay involved in the play when others might have paused for a moment to put their hands in their head at the agonising miss.
He followed up into the box and, after Nguyễn Tiến Linh attempt to control the rebound saw the ball break into his path, Quang Hải made no mistake in rifling away another shot on his left foot -- this time with enough power to squirm under the despairing dive of Cahya Supriadi.
The win was arguably a deserved one for Vietnam given they had largely dominated proceedings, making the most of their stronger bodies and more-seasoned minds against opponents who averaged just seven caps across their starting XI.
Yet, it may not exactly be contradictory to feel that Indonesia deserved at least a point for their plucky efforts.
In what is already shaping up to be a tournament for gaining experience, with Indonesia coach Shin Tae-Yong stating that his squad selection is with one eye on the future, he did not hesitate to once again blood some untested talent even coming up against one of their fierce rivals.
With talismanic playmaker Marselino Ferdinan not available through suspension after a red card in their last outing against Laos, Shin handed debuts to Rivaldo Pakpahan, Mikael Tata and Achmad Maulana -- with Asnawi Mangkualam the only starter with more than ten caps to his name.
Even with plenty of the line, Shin opted against veering away from the original course, leaving the more-experienced Pratama Arhan and Rafael Struick waiting in reserve.
It was tense at times. And there were a fair share of backs-to-the-wall moments for Indonesia. Still, with Asnawi and Muhammad Ferarri barking out orders, the Indonesia backline continued to hold firm.
When Struick came on for the injured Rivaldo in the first half, before Arhan followed suit after the break, Indonesia began to offer more.
Struick got in behind the Vietnam defence on a couple of occasions and even forced Filip Nguyen into a smart save, while Arhan's trademark long throws gave the hosts a worry of their own.
All of a sudden, it even looked like Indonesia could snatch an improbable win.
Nonetheless, even though he may have failed to hit the same heights of previous years, when he was widely regarded as the best player in the region after being named Most Valuable Player at the 2018 ASEAN Championship before earning a move to Europe, Quang Hải remains a player of quality.
As has been seen many times in the past, just one swing of his left foot was enough to hand Vietnam the win. It may even be enough to send them all the way -- with Vietnam thus far one of the most-impressive teams at the tournament so far.
Indonesia might have to wait a while longer to become champions of Southeast Asia, although that was never the target this month.
Instead, they continue to achieve what Shin had planned for all along -- and may even still cause an upset or two along the way.