Fans debate the performance of the Indonesian national team

Many fans argue about the performance of the Indonesian national team after their opening match at the ASEAN Cup 2026. The archipelago team is considered the main rival of the Vietnamese national team in Group A.

The Indonesian national team secured a 5-1 victory over Cambodia on the opening day of the ASEAN Cup 2026. This emphatic win was a powerful response after Vietnam crushed Timor Leste 7-0 in Chonburi. However, many Vietnamese fans still debate the true strength of the Indonesian team.

"This Indonesian team is almost the same lineup that beat Vietnam 3-0 in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Missing only Jay Idzes and the goalkeeper to complete the set," Facebook user Quyết Nguyễn shared his insight.

"Missing a striker too, buddy. Back then, Indonesia had to use local, domestic strikers. Now Indonesia has two young, strong strikers," Facebook user Trần Tiến continued the thread.

"If you only look at the scoreline of this match, many would think Indonesia is far superior and thus think Vietnam would easily lose. But watching this match, I find Indonesia quite ordinary. The main factors in this match were physical strength, physique, aerial balls, and set pieces.

There were almost no direct interlocking combinations to break through Cambodia's weak defense. Facing Cambodia, who were too weak both physically and tactically. Especially their high defensive line, prone to errors that Indonesia exploited with crosses behind.

"In terms of physique and physical strength, Cambodia is too small and disadvantaged. Moreover, Cambodia is a proactive team that wants to attack, so they easily expose weaknesses for Indonesia to exploit. Therefore, I believe that if Vietnam meets Indonesia, they can still hold the ball and win," Facebook user Phong Van Tran shared his opinion.

"Indonesia's second goal was a combination from the goalkeeper straight into Cambodia's net, you know. Besides, it's also due to the choice of playing style; Cambodia actively held the ball, so Indonesia could play slowly and just counterattack," Facebook user Lê Xuân Sơn countered the viewpoint.

"The highlights of this match were Indonesia's nearly 2-meter tall striker and Thom Haye. Those crosses were like placing the ball onto Mitch's head," Facebook user Khoa Đặng pointed out the key point.

"Exactly, the striker is over 1.9 meters tall, and with Cambodia's two center-backs not marking too tightly, the Indonesian striker can head comfortably. If the center-backs could clamp down and make it difficult, then it wouldn't be easy to head freely," Facebook user Anh Dien pointed out the weakness of Cambodia's defense.

"At this level, admitting we are inferior to the Indonesian team is nothing to be ashamed of. Even if we finish second in the group, the opponents from the other side are Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, or Myanmar, it's all the same," Facebook user Lâm Quỳnh Yên commented.

"It's not exactly inferior. But saying we are superior to Indonesia at this level is also not correct. Admitting inferiority makes playing more relaxed. The match against Indonesia on their home turf will decide Vietnam's first or second place in the group. Besides, finishing first in the group is the best outcome.

Thailand at any time cannot be underestimated. The current Thai team has half of its squad as young players, but they also have half as seasoned veterans with lots of match experience," Facebook user Hoài Vũ praised the Indonesian and Thai teams.

The Vietnamese national team will face Singapore in a match taking place tomorrow (July 31). Meanwhile, the Indonesian team will also travel to Chonburi to face Timor Leste. Both teams will have a direct clash to decide the top spot on August 3.