Sunday, July 19, 2026 – 16:21 WIB
The national football team of Indonesia, known as the Garuda, is reportedly facing growing apprehension regarding their preparations for the upcoming AFF Cup 2026 group stage matches later this month, particularly in light of Vietnam’s seemingly flawless performance in their recent training camp. Vietnamese media outlets have been vocal in highlighting their nation’s robust build-up, suggesting that it should be a cause for worry for their Southeast Asian rivals.
Vietnam’s Golden Star Warriors, under the guidance of head coach Kim Sang-sik, have concluded a highly successful training camp in South Korea, where they participated in four friendly matches. The results have been unequivocally positive, with Vietnam emerging victorious in all encounters. This string of wins has presented a stark contrast to the ongoing squad selection process for the Indonesian team, led by English manager John Herdman.
Vietnam’s Unblemished Record in South Korea
The Vietnamese squad’s journey in South Korea culminated in an impressive clean sweep of their friendly fixtures. Their campaign began with a dominant 6-0 victory over Siheung FC, a South Korean club. This was followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win against Yongin FC, another South Korean outfit, and a similar 2-1 triumph over Gangwon FC. The team then rounded off their South Korean tour with a commanding 4-0 victory against Myanmar, a fellow ASEAN nation.
During this intensive training period, Vietnam also integrated three recently naturalized players into their squad: Patrik Le Giang, Ngo Dang Khoa, and Nguyen Tai Loc. Their seamless integration and contribution to the team’s success have further bolstered Vietnam’s confidence heading into the AFF Cup.
This perfect record has been met with considerable pride and, according to Vietnamese media, a degree of boastfulness. Soha, a prominent Vietnamese news outlet, explicitly stated, "The Vietnamese team is preparing very meticulously through friendly matches in South Korea, which should make Indonesia worried." The publication further elaborated on its sentiment, pointing to the perceived lack of testing for the Indonesian squad.
Indonesia’s Squad Selection Challenges
In stark contrast to Vietnam’s settled and successful pre-tournament phase, the Indonesian camp has been navigating a more complex path. Manager John Herdman is currently tasked with whittling down an initial list of approximately 50 potential players to a final squad of just 23 for the AFF Cup.
The Garuda have already experienced setbacks with the exclusion of key players due to injuries. Mauro Zijlstra and Yakob Sayuri have been confirmed to be out of contention for the tournament, a development that has been personally confirmed by the players themselves. These absences undoubtedly create voids that Herdman will need to address strategically.
Adding to the selection hurdles, Luke Vickery, a player who recently completed his naturalization process and pledged allegiance to Indonesia, will also be unavailable. His current club, Macarthur FC, is in the midst of their pre-season preparations, preventing him from joining the national team camp.
The continuous elimination of players from the initial pool, whether due to injury or other commitments, signifies a narrowing field of competition among those vying for a spot. This process, while necessary for final squad selection, can also create an environment of uncertainty for the players involved.
Vietnamese Media’s Scrutiny of Indonesia’s Readiness
The Vietnamese media’s assessment of Indonesia’s preparedness has been notably critical. Soha’s commentary highlights a perceived lack of real-game testing for John Herdman’s squad. The publication pointed out that the Indonesian team had only a single friendly match scheduled against Bali United, a domestic club, as part of their preparations.
"Coach John Herdman has not yet tested his strongest lineup for the AFF Cup in a friendly match," the outlet observed. This suggests a belief that the Indonesian team’s tactical cohesion and player combinations remain unproven against formidable opposition.
Furthermore, Soha emphasized the need for the English manager to foster team chemistry and establish a unified and solid playing philosophy. "The English coach needs to build compactness among players and establish a cohesive and solid playing vision," the publication stated. This implies that the Vietnamese media perceives Indonesia as still in a developmental phase, lacking the established identity and synergy that Vietnam appears to have cultivated.
Background and Context: The AFF Cup and Regional Rivalries
The AFF Cup, formerly known as the Tiger Cup and the ASEAN Football Championship, is the premier international football competition contested by the men’s national teams of the member nations of the ASEAN Football Federation. Established in 1996, the tournament is held biennially and serves as a significant platform for football development and national pride across Southeast Asia.
The rivalry between Indonesia and Vietnam in football is one of the most intense and enduring in the region. Both nations possess passionate fan bases and a long history of competitive encounters, often marked by dramatic finishes and fierce on-field battles. Vietnam has enjoyed a period of significant growth in its footballing fortunes in recent years, achieving notable successes at both regional and continental levels. Their performances in youth tournaments and the senior national team have garnered them considerable respect.
Indonesia, on the other hand, has been striving to elevate its standing in Asian football. The national team has undergone various transformations in coaching and player development strategies, with the current focus under John Herdman aiming to build a more cohesive and competitive unit capable of challenging the region’s top teams. The AFF Cup represents a crucial opportunity for Indonesia to demonstrate progress and contend for their first-ever title in the competition.
Implications of Preparations on Tournament Performance
The disparity in pre-tournament preparation, as highlighted by the Vietnamese media, could have significant implications for the upcoming AFF Cup. A team that has successfully tested its full strength against varied opposition, integrated new players effectively, and maintained a winning momentum is often perceived to have a psychological edge.
For Vietnam, their flawless run in South Korea provides a strong foundation of confidence and tactical assurance. Coach Kim Sang-sik will likely be able to field a starting lineup with greater certainty, knowing that their systems and player partnerships have been tested and proven effective. The psychological impact of these victories can be substantial, creating a positive atmosphere within the squad and potentially unsettling opponents.
Conversely, Indonesia’s situation presents John Herdman with a challenge. While the ongoing selection process can lead to a highly competitive final squad, it also means that the team might be playing catch-up in terms of establishing chemistry and a defined playing style. The absence of key players due to injury further complicates matters, forcing Herdman to adapt his plans and potentially rely on less experienced or newly integrated players. The upcoming friendly against Bali United will be a crucial indicator of how well the team is gelling, but it may not fully replicate the intensity of an international fixture against a strong regional rival.
Broader Context: The Race for ASEAN Supremacy
The AFF Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a barometer of footballing prowess in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s consistent investment in its football infrastructure and player development programs has yielded tangible results, positioning them as one of the dominant forces in the region. Their recent successes, including strong performances in continental competitions, have solidified their reputation.
Indonesia, with its vast population and fervent football culture, has long aspired to reach similar heights. The appointment of John Herdman, a coach with experience in international football, signaled a strategic intent to improve the national team’s performance. The AFF Cup presents a critical opportunity for Herdman to implement his vision and for the Garuda to prove their mettle.
The comments from Vietnamese media, while perhaps partly aimed at motivating their own team, also underscore the competitive landscape of ASEAN football. The ongoing narrative of Vietnam’s superior preparation and Indonesia’s perceived challenges sets the stage for what promises to be a highly anticipated and fiercely contested AFF Cup 2026. The coming weeks will reveal whether Vietnam’s confidence is well-founded and if Indonesia can overcome its selection hurdles to emerge as a genuine contender.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the AFF Cup 2026
As the AFF Cup 2026 draws nearer, both Indonesia and Vietnam will be focused on fine-tuning their strategies. For Vietnam, the objective will be to maintain their current momentum and translate their impressive pre-tournament form into success on the AFF Cup stage. For Indonesia, the challenge lies in harmonizing their squad, solidifying their tactical approach, and overcoming any lingering doubts about their readiness.
The group stage draw and the subsequent knockout rounds will ultimately determine which team capitalizes on their preparations. The rivalry between these two Southeast Asian giants is sure to provide compelling football and intense competition for fans across the region. The narrative, as framed by Vietnamese media, suggests that Indonesia has a significant challenge ahead, but the unpredictable nature of football means that surprises are always possible. The ultimate test will be on the pitch, where preparation meets performance.
