On its homepage on the evening of 3/8, AFF opened its report by remarking: "Vietnam played like a champion". According to the federation, the performance at Pakansari stadium reflected the true class of the reigning Southeast Asian champions. The 3-0 victory not only helped Vietnam reclaim the top spot in group A with seven points after three matches, but also almost guaranteed their place in the semifinals.

Nguyen Tai Loc, Nguyen Hai Long, and Truong Tien Anh celebrate Vietnam's 3-0 victory over Indonesia in the fourth matchday of group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Pakansari stadium, Bogor, Indonesia, on 3/8. *Duc Dong*

AFF noted that Vietnam quickly decided the match with their high-intensity pressing style in Indonesia's half. Despite coach Kim Sang-sik resting two key players, Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Xuan Son, the visitors controlled the game from the start. This constant pressure helped Nguyen Van Vi open the scoring in the 6th minute, before Nguyen Hai Long doubled the lead just 9 minutes later with one textbook counter-attack.

According to AFF, Indonesia attempted to respond, especially through Thom Haye's plays, but created few clear chances. Conversely, Vietnam consistently posed a threat on the counter. AFF also highlighted Nguyen Tai Loc's header wide of the post at the end of the first half, before Nguyen Xuan Son entered the game in the 63rd minute and quickly sealed the match with a goal in the 71st minute.

The federation stated that Xuan Son's introduction only amplified Indonesia's difficulties. The Brazilian-born forward was denied by Nadeo Argawinata in the 70th minute, but just one minute later, he capitalized on a long pass from Nguyen Hoang Duc to score the decisive goal. This marks Vietnam's first victory on Indonesian soil in the tournament's history.

Match highlights.

Malaysian media also praised the Vietnamese team's performance. Makan Bola used the word "destructive" to describe the visitors' victory. The newspaper commented that Vietnam attacked with energy, defended disciplinedly, and had goalkeeper Le Giang Patrik as a formidable barrier that frustrated Indonesia.

According to the newspaper, Vietnam effectively decided the match within the first 15 minutes by scoring two consecutive goals. Subsequently, the visitors maintained a tight defensive system to thwart numerous Indonesian opportunities, before Xuan Son scored the third goal, sealing a convincing victory.

In Thailand, Daily News headlined: "Vietnam ruthless, crushed Indonesia on their home ground".

The newspaper stated that the reigning champions showcased their strength as top one contenders with a 3-0 win at Pakansari stadium. Vietnam quickly overcame their 0-0 stumble against Singapore to return to form, securing seven points, level with Singapore, but leading group A on goal difference.

Even in Indonesia, the local media acknowledged the home team's comprehensive defeat. CNN Indonesia commented that Indonesia "played poorly" and lost heavily 0-3. The newspaper suggested that Vietnam's fast counter-attacks consistently became a "nightmare" for the Garuda defense. Both initial goals stemmed from highly effective exploitation of spaces, while Xuan Son's second-half goal concluded a forgettable evening for the hosts.

Nguyen Van Vi's opening goal in the fourth matchday of group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Pakansari stadium, Bogor, Indonesia, on 3/8. *Duc Dong*

The newspaper also noted that Indonesia had more possession at times but struggled to penetrate Vietnam's compact pressing and defensive system. Opportunities from Thom Haye, Mitchell Baker, and Rizky Eka were all neutralized by Le Giang Patrik and the visiting defense.

Detik used the term "collapsed" in its match report. The newspaper stated that this defeat makes Indonesia's chances of reaching the semifinals very slim. Indonesia must now defeat Singapore in their final match to advance.

Bisnis shared a similar view, attributing Indonesia's defeat to Vietnam's solid defense and highly effective counter-attacks. The newspaper observed that whenever Indonesia approached the penalty area, they were tightly marked, leading to easily neutralized crosses or shots.

After the match, coach John Herdman also acknowledged the reasons for the defeat. The English coach stated that his players played too emotionally in the opening minutes and lacked intensity in challenges. He also admitted that Indonesia "gifted easy goals", subsequently falling into Vietnam's preferred game of rapid counter-attacks.

Herdman suggested that by allowing Vietnam to take an early lead, the home team was forced to push forward and consistently had spaces behind their defense exploited. He wants Indonesia to improve their ability to maintain defensive shape and manage matches better, especially in the first 15 minutes against strong opponents like Vietnam.

On social media, ESPN Asia also praised the performance of Kim Sang-sik's team. The account commented that Vietnam was "disciplined in defense and sharp in attack", getting their title defense campaign back on track.

Hoang An compiled