Indonesia is preparing to host Vietnam at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor on 3/8, a crucial fixture in the third matchday of Group A. Ahead of this highly anticipated group stage encounter, former international Erol Iba has issued a strong message to coach John Herdman's squad, urging them to maintain a cool head.

"There is one thing I want to tell the players, especially when facing Vietnam", Erol told Bolasport. "If possible, do not let the opponent provoke you. Play according to the coach's tactics and do not let emotions take over".

Former Indonesia midfielder, Erol Iba. *Photo: Kompas*

Erol, 46, has experienced numerous clashes against Vietnam between 2006 and 2009, noting that matches between the two nations have always been intense. He emphasizes that psychological factors are as decisive as technical skill, stressing the need for Indonesia to maintain unwavering focus for the entire 90 minutes.

Explaining his advice, Erol reiterated his playing experience: "Vietnam has always played very tough and tends to be a bit rough. Myanmar also plays tough but not to that extent", he added.

Indonesia finds itself in Group A alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor Leste. Herdman's team will first compete against Cambodia and Timor Leste before their significant clash with Vietnam. Erol believes these initial two matches will be vital in building a strong foundation for Indonesia as they approach the most anticipated match of the group stage.

Beyond his warning regarding the Vietnam national team, the former midfielder also highlighted Indonesia's major ambition for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Despite reaching the final six times, Indonesia has never won the championship since the tournament's inception in 1996.

Erol expresses confidence that the current generation possesses the capability to end the nearly three-decade-long title drought. He assesses Indonesia's squad as having the quality to contend with Southeast Asia's strongest teams, though he acknowledges that Group A will be fierce, with every team vying for a semi-final spot. "All matches are very difficult, and I have experienced that", Erol said.

Nguyen Quang Hai on the ground in pain after Hokky Caraka received a yellow card during Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Indonesia in Group B of the ASEAN Cup on 15/12/2024 at Phu Tho Stadium. *Photo: Lam Thoa*

Since 2020, Vietnam and Indonesia have faced each other eight times across all competitions, resulting in a fairly balanced record. Each team has secured three victories and two draws, yet Vietnam holds a slight advantage in goal difference, having scored seven goals while conceding only five.

After a period of struggle marked by three consecutive winless matches since early 2024, which included a defeat in the Asian Cup and two World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Vietnam successfully regained their standing with a 1-0 victory in the ASEAN Championship 2024 group stage.

Hoang An (according to Bolasport)