Southeast Asian media applauds Vietnam’s masterclass in 3-0 win over Indonesia

On its official website on Monday night, the AFF began by stating that Vietnam’s brilliant performance at Pakansari Stadium reflected the class of the reigning Southeast Asian champions.

The commanding win helped Vietnam claim the top spot in Group A with seven points after three matches. It almost certainly secured their place in the tournament’s semifinals.

The AFF assessed that Vietnam decided the match early thanks to their high-pressing style. Even though coach Kim Sang-sik benched key players like Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Xuan Son, the visitors controlled the game entirely from the opening whistle.

That relentless pressure allowed Nguyen Van Vi to open the scoring in the sixth minute, before Nguyen Hai Long doubled the lead just nine minutes later, finishing off a textbook counter-attack.

According to the AFF, Indonesia tried to respond through Thom Haye’s playmaking ability but created very few clear chances. Meanwhile, Vietnam always looked dangerous on transitional plays.

Nguyen Xuan Son’s appearance in the second half only made things more difficult for the home side. The striker’s first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata, but he later capitalized on a long pass from Nguyen Hoang Duc to score the third goal.

This marked Vietnam’s first victory on Indonesian soil in the tournament’s history.

Malaysian media also praised Vietnam’s performance. Makan Bola used the word “destruction” to describe the visitors’ victory. They noted Vietnam attacked with energy, defended with discipline, and highlighted goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang as a frustrating final line of defense for Indonesia.

The newspaper stated Vietnam basically decided the match within the first 15 minutes. Afterward, the visitors maintained a tight defensive system to neutralize Indonesia’s chances before Xuan Son sealed the convincing victory.

The defending champions displayed the true strength of a top title contender as they quickly overcame their 0-0 slip-up against Singapore three days earlier to lead Group A ahead of Singapore on goal difference.

Nguyen Van Vi scores the opening goal against Indonesia at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor, Indonesia, on Aug. 3, 2026. Photo by Read/Duc Dong

Even Indonesian media acknowledged the total defeat of their home team. CNN Indonesia commented that the team played poorly in this heavy defeat. They called Vietnam’s quick counter-attacks a constant “nightmare” for Indonesia’s defense, capping off a forgettable evening for the host.

The newspaper also noted that Indonesia had more possession at times but struggled to break through Vietnam’s tight pressing and defense. Chances from Thom Haye, Mitchell Baker and Rizky Eka were all neutralized by Patrik Le Giang and the visiting team’s defense.

Another Indonesian newspaper, Detik, used the word “collapsed” to describe the match. They suggested this defeat makes Indonesia’s chances of reaching the semifinals very difficult, as they must now win their final group match against Singapore.

Bisnis shared a similar view, stating Indonesia was completely neutralized by solid defense and effective counter-attacks of Vietnam. Whenever Indonesia approached the box, they were tightly marked and shut down.

After the match, coach John Herdman also admitted the reasons for the defeat. The English coach said his players got their heads in the clouds in the early minutes and lacked necessary aggression. He said Indonesia gave the goals away too easily, falling into Vietnam’s favorite tactic of fast counter-attacks.

Herdman suggested that conceding early forced the team to push forward, leaving space behind the defense. He wants Indonesia to improve their ability to maintain formation, especially in the opening minutes against strong opponents like Vietnam

On social media, ESPN Asia praised coach Kim Sang-sik and Vietnam for being “disciplined in defense and sharp in offense,” putting their title defense journey firmly back on track.