ESPN expert: 'Kim Sang Sik's clever tactics left Indonesia stunned'

According to ESPN, the 3-0 triumph away in Indonesia bore all the hallmarks of Kim Sang Sik's coaching. Besides making a forceful return after dropping points to Singapore, the reigning champions also reasserted their status as the strongest contenders for the 2026 ASEAN Championship.

Heading into the Group A match at the Pakansari Stadium, every indication suggested that momentum was with Indonesia.

The hosts had opened with two wins, scoring eight goals and conceding once against Cambodia and Timor-Leste, opponents they were expected to dominate.

Vietnam, by contrast, had looked convincing in beating Timor-Leste but then unexpectedly stalled, as they were held to a goalless draw by Singapore at home.

ESPN pointed to Indonesia's remarkable progress over recent seasons, not only regionally but across Asia. Having finished second six times, the archipelago side was seen as favorite to claim the ASEAN title for the first time. If that happened, Vietnam's attempt to retain the crown would come to an end.

Yet, after a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes in Bogor, the usual hierarchy of Southeast Asian football was restored—at least for now.

ESPN commented: "With a tactical masterstroke from Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam produced a stunning 3-0 victory that left Indonesia utterly bewildered."

Although Indonesia had 58% possession, they could hardly turn that dominance into clear-cut danger. Vietnam, meanwhile, made the most of virtually every opportunity that came their way and defended with great discipline to nullify the opponent's attacks.

Even the hostile atmosphere in the stands failed to change the course. Indonesian fans, who had jeered the away team during the lineup introductions, soon went quiet just six minutes into the match.

Indonesia made life difficult for themselves by losing the ball inside their own half while attempting to play out from the back. Vietnam immediately punished that error with a lightning-quick combination.

After winning the ball from Rizky Ridho's turnover, Nguyen Hai Long released Nguyen Hoang Duc. The midfielder then played a wonderfully weighted through pass for Nguyen Van Vi to race onto.

With the shooting angle tight, Van Vi decided to fire a shot rather than cross, noticing goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata was expecting a delivery into the box. That daring choice produced the opening goal.

Only eight minutes later, Vietnam doubled their lead with a textbook counterattack.

Once again the left side caused the damage, as Hai Long had plenty of room to surge from midfield before beating Nadeo. In ESPN's view, the Indonesia goalkeeper could do little in the one-on-one situation because the defence in front of him had already been torn apart.

Two goals down, Indonesia had to push forward in search of a reply, but they found it hard to build any meaningful combinations. At the other end, Kim Sang Sik's players stuck to their tactical plan, repeatedly clearing and neutralizing balls aimed into the penalty area.

ESPN also felt Vietnam's display was all the more impressive because Kim decided to leave captain Nguyen Quang Hai and main striker Xuan Son on the bench.

Both players later came on. Xuan Son completed the victory when he raced through one-on-one and calmly beat Nadeo after a delicate assist from Hoang Duc.

"Just a few days ago, Vietnam's title defense looked to be drifting off course. Now they are back on track and have once again proved they remain the team to beat in the competition," ESPN concluded.

In contrast, ESPN observed that Indonesia had failed to overcome their first major test at the 2026 ASEAN Championship.

The archipelago side will need to beat Singapore away in their next match—a decisive encounter—if they want to keep their dream of a first Southeast Asian title alive.