Is Indonesia a greater threat than Thailand?

The 5-1 win against Cambodia wasn't merely a routine victory. It showcased a team that plays with modern tactics and strength, despite the absence of many players who ply their trade in Europe. Given their display at Pakansari, John Herdman's team might now be scarier than Thailand.

The 5-1 triumph against Cambodia on July 27 night was more than just three points. It served as a declaration that Indonesia retains its frightening power, despite the fact that the 2026 ASEAN Cup falls outside FIFA Days and numerous European-based stars were not released by their parent clubs.

More notably, the current squad under John Herdman can still produce a dominating, fast-paced, and well-organized performance.

If Thailand has long been regarded as the benchmark of Southeast Asian football, then right nowIndonesiais the side that all opponents must be most cautious of.

The archipelago nation's team no longer relies on a handful of individuals. Instead, they boast a deep roster, with many players trained in Europe, playing with high tempo and modern tactics. Judging by their victory over Cambodia,Indonesianearly had full control of the match.

Tom Haye serves as the team's brain. The midfielder, valued at over one million USD, directly had a hand in four of the five goals. Whenever Haye finds space, Indonesia swiftly generates dangerous chances.

Eliano Reijnders, along with Haye, displayed the quality of a player molded in the Dutch football system. His pace, tight-space dribbling, and game-changing ability render Indonesia's wings highly threatening.

The most notable highlight was Mitchell Baker's debut. The 1.96-meter striker netted a hat-trick in his very first appearance for the national side. The 2006-born forward's aerial prowess, positional sense, and finishing give Indonesia the genuine number nine they have lacked for years.

Even in the second half, when John Herdman deliberately slowed the pace, substituted several key players to save energy and partly conceal his tactics ahead of bigger opponents like Vietnam, Indonesia still managed to add more goals and maintain total control. This demonstrates that the team's depth is now superior to most Southeast Asian sides.

Since early 2024, the two sides have faced off four times at the senior level. Indonesia won three straight encounters in the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers, before Vietnam avenged those defeats with a 1-0 win in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. These three successive losses to Indonesia also led to Philippe Troussier's departure from the Vietnam helm.

The reason Indonesia is a bigger threat than Thailand is not just about player quality but also their development philosophy. Herdman has often said that the ASEAN Cup is merely a stepping stone to the World Cup and Asian competitions. Once a team stops viewing Southeast Asia as their ceiling, they perform at a much higher level.

For Kim Sang Sik, the away match in Indonesia on August 3 could be the decisive game for the top of Group A. Singapore is improving, but they lack the all-round power of Indonesia. Meanwhile, Thailand in the other group does not seem as intimidating as Indonesia currently is.

However, Vietnam also has grounds for confidence. Their attackers are in excellent form, the squad morale is high, andCoach Kim Sang Sikhas demonstrated his skill in reading matches and making flexible tactical adjustments. To clinch the ASEAN Cup, Vietnam will eventually have to beat the strongest rivals.

Indonesia is rising as the 'new king' of Southeast Asian football regarding squad quality and pace of progress. Yet it is exactly these kinds of matches that serve as the real yardstick for Vietnam, the defending champions.