The Indonesian team had a very impressive start to ASEAN Cup 2026 when they won 5-1 against the Cambodian team, in the match held at Pakansari Stadium. Mitchell Baker scored three goals for coach John Herdman's team, while Sandy Walsh and Jens Raven scored one goal each.
Erick shared his joy of victory. However, PSSI Chairman believes that the real challenge for the Indonesian team lies in the Vietnamese team. Sharing with Indonesian media, he said: "Yes, I think the opening matches of the Indonesian team are quite good, but the match with the Vietnamese team may be the key match.
That does not mean that I underestimate the next match, whether against Timor-Leste or Singapore. But I think today is a good opening match”.
The Vietnamese team has started and won big against Timor-Leste 7-0 away from home. In the standings of Group A, the Singapore team is temporarily leading with 6 points and 2 wins. The Vietnamese team is ranked 2nd, above Indonesia. Mr. Kim Sang-sik's team has the same points as Indonesia but is ranked above thanks to sub-indices.
ASEAN Cup 2026 is a tournament where the Indonesian team aims to win the championship after 6 runner-up finishes. With a powerful force, although not the strongest, the archipelago team played overwhelmingly against Cambodia with a smooth playing style, high determination and abundant fitness. Coach John Herdman's team shows that they are ready to conquer the championship this year.
The next match of the Indonesian national team in Group A is against Timor-Leste on Friday (July 31), followed by a home match with the Vietnamese team (August 3), and the final match with Singapore (August 7).
For Mr. Erick Thohir, the match against the Vietnamese team is very important. Mr. Kim Sang-sik's team is the defending champion of the tournament and the strongest candidate in this year's tournament. If they defeat the Vietnamese team, the Indonesian team will affirm their position and quality, confidently aiming for the highest position.
In the past, the Indonesia vs Vietnam match always brought many predestined relationships. The Indonesia team was once eliminated by Vietnam in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2022.
