Indonesia vs Vietnam National Team: Not Only a Hot Duel, but Also a Semi-Final Bet

The Indonesian national team will face an important match against Vietnam at the 2026 ASEAN Championship (Indonesian National Team doc).

JAKARTA - The meeting between the Indonesian National Team and Vietnam is traditionally always exciting and competitive, regardless of what is at stake.

So, when the two teams meet again at Pakansari Stadium on Monday, August 3, 2027, WIB night in the 2026 ASEAN Championship group stage, another exciting match can be expected - especially considering the stakes this time.

Although they have reached the final on six previous occasions, the Indonesian national team has never been crowned as the champion of the Southeast Asian tournament.

This year, they seem once again to be one of the main candidates to grab the trophy. They can ensure their qualification to the semifinals early, with a record of winning over Vietnam.

If that scenario materializes, the last match of the Garuda Squad against Singapore will determine who qualifies for the semifinals as the group champion.

After the victory over Cambodia and Timor-Leste in the first two matches, a third consecutive victory will bring Indonesia's national team total to nine points.

This ensures that they cannot be displaced from the top two positions in Group A even though John Hedman's team lost the last group match against Singapore on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Otherwise, the national team still needs to get full points in their journey to Jalan Besar Stadium this weekend.

However, the mission is not easy. The Red-White team is aware that they will face an injured opponent, namely Vietnam who wants to improve the 0-0 draw at home against Singapore last weekend.

"Vietnam are a very strong team. They have an unbeatable coach and have won tournaments in East Asia. So, he understands what it takes to be successful."

"He understands the mentality that is needed and how to get the best out of local players as well as naturalized players."

"Vietnam are well organised and fully committed to representing their country. I'm happy to watch them because their players are always fully committed."

"They started preparing on June 22, 2026 and have played seven games during that period without defeat."

"The Indonesian national team has just entered our third match. We are still building. As I have said to the players, we must advance gradually and develop throughout the tournament."

"Vietnam may be superior in their preparations, but that is no excuse for us," said Indonesian national team coach John Herdman in a press conference before the match on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Despite playing against a lower-ranked team, the Indonesian National Team has scored eight goals in the first two matches and only conceded one goal.

However, Herdman believes his side are still far from perfect and relish matches like the test they will face against Vietnam.

"This is another opportunity for us to grow together and collect more points. The fans, players, and staff can be proud of our achievements so far."

"We scored eight goals, only one goal was conceded, and six points. However, later (against Vietnam) it will be a very difficult test."

"This is the kind of game you want to play in a tournament - facing the best teams at the crucial moments for both sides. For us, this is a great opportunity to control the group."

"Vietnam also has a lot to fight for. This will be very exciting for the supporters and even more exciting for the players."

"The game will be about proving to ourselves what we can do and measuring our progress against, perhaps, the tournament's favourites."

"We'll enjoy this opportunity, play for the fans and compete as hard as we can. Our team will be different from the team we can form if we reach the final in three weeks."

"That's the nature of tournament football. You have to keep improving," Herdman said.

Meanwhile, Vietnam coach Kim Sang-Sik also acknowledged how important the match against the Indonesian National Team is - especially after the draw against Singapore.

"The game is very important for our chances of qualifying for the next round. We know that we have to win."

"This will be an away game, so the conditions and mental aspects may be difficult. However, we are very motivated and hope to win," said the South Korean coach.

One of the new players who could be a real threat to Vietnam is the Indonesian national team striker, Mitchell Baker, who has scored four goals from two matches in the 2026 ASEAN Championship - which is his first appearance at the international level.

Still 19 years old, the Australian-born striker has an impressive height of 1.96 meters.

He has made Indonesian national team supporters compare him to Erling Haaland. Especially on the regional stage, Baker is a frightening threat for most of the opponent's defense - even experienced defenses like Vietnam.

"We have analyzed the first two matches of the Indonesian National Team. They clearly have a very strong squad."

"Their number 19 (Baker) is tall, strong in the air, and difficult to stop because of his position and shooting ability."

"However, Vietnam has not conceded in our first two matches. So, our defenders also have confidence."

"Surviving is not the responsibility of one player. The entire defense unit must remain compact and work together," said Kim.