Indonesian media admits that the home team 'couldn't find a solution' as the Vietnam national team played 'almost perfectly'

CNN Indonesia reported that the Indonesian team was completely confused by Vietnam's high pressing tactics.

After Indonesia's 0-3 loss to Vietnam in the group stage of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, CNN Indonesia published an article with the headline: "Vietnam's high pressing game left Indonesia completely helpless."

The archipelago newspaper admitted: "The Indonesian team was completely disoriented by Vietnam's high pressing game in the third match of Group A of the 2026 AFF Cup."

CNN Indonesia wrote: "The match between Indonesia and Vietnam took place at Pakansari Stadium (Bogor) on Monday evening (August 3). Right after referee Danaskos Timothy Peter's opening whistle, coach Kim Sang Sik's players immediately pushed forward to apply pressure."

"Nguyen Hoang Duc and his teammates' high pressing quickly paid off. Just six minutes into the match, Vietnam opened the scoring through Nguyen Van Vi," the archipelago newspaper continued.

Later, CNN Indonesia stated that Vietnam played with great confidence: "Vietnam's collective coordination was almost perfect. Their tactical execution both with and without the ball was very impressive."

"Indonesia was completely bewildered by the game Vietnam created. In the 14th minute, the visitors again breached goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata's net through a strike from Nguyen Hai Long. The second goal highlighted weaknesses in Indonesia's right side of defense, where Rizky Ridho was stationed. Despite using a surprising lineup, Vietnam still exploited this area very effectively," the Indonesian newspaper admitted.

According to CNN Indonesia, Indonesia still had periods of more possession, but whenever they organized attacks, John Herdman's players found themselves stuck against Vietnam's solid defense.

CNN Indonesia continued: "In the second half, coach Kim Sang Sik brought naturalized player Nguyen Xuan Son onto the pitch. Xuan Son's appearance made Vietnam even more comfortable and constantly put pressure on Indonesia's defense."

"As expected, the 29-year-old striker didn't take long to show his class, scoring to make it 3-0 for Vietnam. The decisive goal came from the high pressing game that Vietnam maintained throughout the match. Facing a fiercely pressing opponent, Indonesia struggled greatly and couldn't find a solution," the Indonesian newspaper concluded.