Vietnam stun hosts Indonesia 3-0 to reach ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals

A disciplined tactical display from head coach Kim Sang-sik, combined with two assists from midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, helped the defending champions claim one of their most convincing away victories over Indonesia in recent years.

Goals from Nguyen Van Vi, Nguyen Hai Long and substitute Nguyen Xuan Son sealed all three points.

Clinical counter-attacking display

Kim surprised many by leaving several regular starters, including Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Quang Hai, on the bench and opting for a compact defensive setup built around quick counter-attacks.

The approach paid off almost immediately. In the sixth minute, Hoang Duc intercepted possession near Indonesia's penalty area before threading a precise pass to Nguyen Van Vi, who finished from a tight angle to give Vietnam an early lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, Nguyen Hai Long doubled the advantage after racing onto a long pass from Le Pham Thanh Long and calmly beating goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata in a one-on-one situation.

Indonesia dominated possession for much of the first half but struggled to break down Vietnam's well-organised defence despite enjoying 62% of the ball.

Hoang Duc inspires comfortable victory

Indonesia increased the pressure after the break, but Vietnam's back line, led by Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Thanh Chung and Xuan Manh, dealt comfortably with most attacking moves.

Goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik was rarely troubled throughout the match.

Kim introduced Nguyen Xuan Son midway through the second half to add pace to Vietnam's counter-attacks, and the substitution quickly proved decisive.

In the 71st minute, Hoang Duc produced another incisive pass to release Xuan Son, who finished confidently to make it 3-0.

The assist completed an outstanding individual performance from Hoang Duc, who created two of Vietnam's three goals.

The victory secured Vietnam's place in the semi-finals with a game to spare and lifted the defending champions to the top of Group A.

Beyond the result, the match highlighted the effectiveness of coach Kim’s tactical approach, with Vietnam combining disciplined defending, efficient counter-attacking football and clinical finishing.

Vietnam will face Cambodia in their final group-stage match, while Indonesia must defeat Singapore to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Vietnam determined to beat Indonesia in decisive ASEAN Cup match

VOV.VN - Head coach Kim Sang Sik and goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang have expressed high determination as Vietnam prepare for a must-win ASEAN Cup 2026 Group A clash against hosts Indonesia at Pakansari Stadium on August 3.