“A champion’s performance” was the headline used by ASEAN United FC, the official media channel of the ASEAN Championship, for Viet Nam after their 3-0 victory over Indonesia. According to the article, head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side demonstrated the mettle of the defending champions by defeating the hosts at Pakansari and moving closer to a place in the semi-finals. The outlet particularly highlighted Viet Nam’s disciplined display, of chances, and ability to prevent Indonesia from turning the game around.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Siam Sport used the phrase “Viet Nam destroy Indonesia” when referring to the result. The newspaper asserted that the victory at Pakansari was a statement of strength by the Southeast Asian champions. Siam Sport assessed that Viet Nam had left Indonesia completely frustrated with a well-organised defensive counterattacking approach, while also suggesting that Kim Sang-sik’s team are cementing their status as the strongest contenders for this year’s title.
The strongest reaction came from the Indonesian press. BolaSport argued that the defeat stemmed from Indonesia conceding too early, which caused their entire tactical plan to collapse. According to the newspaper, after conceding two goals in just over the first 10 minutes, the hosts were forced to push forward in search of a response and repeatedly left spaces behind their defence. Viet Nam ruthlessly exploited those gaps to score a third goal and secure a decisive victory.
CNN Indonesia also conceded that Viet Nam were far more effective. The newspaper noted that Indonesia had more possession but created almost no clear chances against Kim Sang-sik’s tightly organised defensive system. CNN Indonesia noted that the Vietnamese players maintained their team shape very well, battled fiercely, and transitioned extremely quickly whenever they regained possession, leaving Indonesia unable to impose their intended game plan.
Kompas, meanwhile, assessed that Indonesia’s defeat was not only due to defensive errors but also to a difference in competitive composure. According to the newspaper, Viet Nam always knew how to control the tempo, remained calm under pressure, and made almost no mistakes. That was what Indonesia lacked in a match of decisive significance.
Notably, although each outlet approached the match from a different angle, most shared one assessment: Viet Nam were the better side and deserved to win. Instead of citing luck or refereeing controversies, Indonesian media mainly analysed the shortcomings of the home team, while showing respect for the tactical approach orchestrated by head coach Kim Sang-sik.
Comments from regional media demonstrate that Viet Nam’s 3-0 victory was not merely an unexpected result. It was also a statement of the defending Southeast Asian champions’ status, while issuing a stark warning to the remaining opponents that Viet Nam stand as the premier contender on the road to conquering the ASEAN Championship 2026.
