Indonesia's attack was like a gentle breeze when it hit the "stone wall" of Vietnam's national team

Not only did they concede three goals at their own Pakansari stadium, but Indonesia also struggled completely to find a way into Patrik Lê Giang's goal during their loss to Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Although they held 58% possession, Indonesia managed only 11 shots throughout the match, with just three on target. Goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang didn't have to do any real "work" at all during the entire game at Pakansari Stadium.

The reason the Vietnamese goalkeeper found himself "unemployed" was that the white-shirted center-backs and full-backs played alertly and controlled Indonesia's main attacking threats well.

Before this match, Indonesian media and Southeast Asian press had praised the 1.96m tall striker Baker and playmaker Thom Haye of the "Garuda." One was likened to "Indonesia's Erling Haaland," while the other was considered the "brain" of the team from the archipelago nation.

But both Thom Haye and Baker became "harmless" when facing Vietnam's center-backs and full-backs. Baker was severely starved of the ball, closely marked by Vietnam's defenders, and had only three shots in the entire match, with just one on target (not dangerous for Patrik Lê Giang).

Thom Haye was also closely followed every time he had the ball in Vietnam's half, unable to connect with Baker or deliver favorable passes to Indonesia's other attacking players.

Throughout the match, Indonesia's playmaker could not complete any accurate cross, had no key passes, and only made 2 accurate passes into Vietnam's penalty area out of 10 passes he attempted. The player considered the soul of Indonesia's play also had only 3 shots, with just 1 on target. Why? The white-shirted defenders gave Thom Haye no space to play and no moment of respite.

The trio of center-backs Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, and Bui Hoang Viet Anh built a "white wall" in front of Patrik Lê Giang's goal, completely stifling Indonesia.

Xuan Manh won 7 out of 12 duels and 5 out of 8 aerial battles against opponents. Thanh Chung's winning rates in these categories were 100%, while Bui Hoang Viet Anh won 4 out of 5 duels against Indonesian players, including 1 aerial and 3 ground challenges.

On the left flank, Van Vi won all 3 of his duels against Indonesian players, while Truong Tien Anh on the right flank won 3 out of 5 direct challenges against opponents.

When Vietnam's full-backs and center-backs all played so consistently, Indonesia's attacking efforts were merely like a gentle breeze, only highlighting the absolute strength that Vietnam displayed right at Pakansari Stadium.