Vietnam's national football team, under coach Kim Sang-sik, achieved a decisive 3-0 victory against Indonesia in the ASEAN Cup 2026, shaking up Group A standings. Following a draw against Singapore, the pressure on the team lifted, and Kim even joked about the 'white shirt' he had worn during the previous match.
On August 3, at 8:30 PM local time (10:30 PM KST), Vietnam defeated Indonesia at the Pakansari Stadium, earning 7 points to lead Group A. Although tied on points and head-to-head record with Singapore, Vietnam's goal difference of +10 surpassed Singapore's +3.
Kim Sang-sik Returns in Black Shirt, Relieves Pressure with Away Victory
Vietnam took control of the match early on. In the 6th minute, strong pressure forced a mistake from the Indonesian defense, leading to the opening goal by Van Bi, who scored with a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Arga Winata.
Building on their momentum, Vietnam added a second goal in the 15th minute. Hai Long received a penetrating pass from Le Pham Thanh Long, drove into the penalty area, and found the net with a right-footed shot. In the second half, Vietnam's defense held firm against Indonesia's attacks, and in the 71st minute, Suan Son scored the third goal with a left-footed shot after receiving a pass from Hoang Duc.
In the post-match press conference, Kim emphasized the significance of the away victory, stating, "It was a very difficult away match, and we gave our best. Securing 3 points has brightened the situation for the Vietnam national team." He expressed gratitude for the players' efforts and thanked the fans who supported the team both in the stadium and on television, adding, "We will continue to prepare for the next match."
This victory also showcased Kim's effective player selections. He noted that the preparation for this match was not significantly different from the Singapore game, but praised players like Hai Long for their strong performances. He highlighted Tien An's contributions, saying, "Tien An moved a lot and played a very important role for the team. He had a great performance. Many of our opportunities started with him."
From 'White Shirt' Jokes to Suan Man's Kiss: Vietnam's Mood Shifts
Kim's black shirt became a topic of conversation after the match. He joked about the white shirt he wore during the draw against Singapore, saying, "I have already thrown away that white shirt and told my wife the same." Unlike his anxious demeanor during the previous match, he appeared relieved after the victory over Indonesia.
Immediately after the match, defender Pham Suan Man was seen bowing to Kim and kissing his black shirt, a gesture that brought smiles to Kim's face as the team celebrated their away victory together. Suan Man contributed significantly to the team's success with his active play.
Kim also sent a warm message to Nguyen Dinh Bac, who was substituted early in the Singapore match. He expressed regret over not winning against Singapore, suggesting it might have been due to his early substitution of Dinh Bac. However, he acknowledged that everything is part of the process and praised Dinh Bac for showing his full potential and overcoming many challenges in this match, saying, "I want to tell Dinh Bac that he did really well today."
Meanwhile, local fans in Indonesia were left shocked by the defeat. The largest Indonesian football community on Facebook, Sepakbola Indonesia Fansbook III, posted after the match, "We suffered a humiliating defeat to Vietnam. We conceded 3 goals and struggled to penetrate their defense for 90 minutes. The entire team was shaken. We need to reassess everything before the match against Singapore."
However, some Indonesian fans viewed the loss as a temporary setback, expressing hope to meet Vietnam again in the finals to avenge this defeat. One fan remarked, "Indonesia played terribly today, and the coach failed to make meaningful changes. But there is still a chance, and we will meet Vietnam again in the finals for revenge." Another fan acknowledged Vietnam's quality, stating, "We must recognize that Vietnam is a really strong team. They played like lions on the field."
Looking ahead, Vietnam will face Cambodia in their final group stage match on August 7, while Indonesia will take on Singapore. With Cambodia and Timor-Leste already eliminated, Vietnam's commanding victory over Indonesia places them in a favorable position for advancing to the semifinals. The defending champions, led by Kim Sang-sik, aim to reach the finals and secure a second consecutive title.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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