ASEAN Cup 2026: The 'Key' Helping Vietnam's Team Overthrow Indonesia

According to a VNA reporter in Bogor, just a few days earlier, the Vietnam team was still under much doubt after a goalless draw with Singapore. However, on the Pakansari pitch on the evening of August 3, Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad displayed a completely different face by proactively pressing high, entering the game with full speed and continuously putting pressure on the hosts. Two goals in the first 15 minutes helped Vietnam quickly gain the advantage before Xuan Son sealed the 3-0 victory in the second half, bringing back three important points right on the field of an opponent considered a top candidate for a semi-final ticket.

Entering the press conference after the match, Coach Kim Sang Sik expressed satisfaction with the result, and affirmed: 'With these three points, our situation has become very bright.' Notably, according to the Korean strategist, the difference was not in preparing a completely new tactic for Indonesia, but in the way the team operated and the players' fighting spirit. The Korean coach emphasized that boldly giving opportunities to suitable players for tactical requirements brought new energy, helping Vietnam create a difference both in organizing play and in seizing opportunities.

While the Vietnam team's press room was filled with joy, the atmosphere on the Indonesian side was completely opposite.

Coach John Herdman admitted he did not anticipate the strong change of Vietnam after the draw with Singapore. According to the Canadian strategist, two goals conceded in just the first 15 minutes collapsed all of Indonesia's plans. He said: 'I didn't think Vietnam would change so quickly after the draw with Singapore. We conceded two goals too easily in the first 15 minutes and that made the team unable to play according to the initial plans.'

He also frankly acknowledged that Indonesia had a poor performance in every aspect: 'Congratulations to the Vietnam team. This was a difficult match for Indonesia and we did not play well, while they played too well. Vietnam improved a lot after the draw with Singapore.'

Not shirking responsibility, Coach Herdman apologized to the tens of thousands of Indonesian fans at Pakansari: 'I want to apologize to the fans who supported us until the end. I am the one responsible when the team plays poorly. We will have to improve both tactically and mentally.'

The 3-0 victory helped Vietnam rise to the top of Group A with 7 points after three matches, holding a big advantage in the race for a semi-final spot. In the final group stage match, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team will return home to host Cambodia with the aim of finishing the group stage at the top, while Indonesia must beat Singapore if they want to keep their hopes of advancing alive.