The English coach typically goes to the stands to observe the entire match for about 30 minutes. This practice was seen in the 5-1 victory over Cambodia, then the 3-0 win against Timor Leste, and continued when hosting Vietnam tonight.

However, the hosts suffered an early shock when Nguyen Van Vi opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a shot from a tight angle inside the penalty area. Coach Herdman remained in the stands, expressionless, wearing wireless headphones and chewing gum.

English coach John Herdman of the Indonesia national team in the stands at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor, Indonesia, observing the match between Indonesia and Vietnam in the fourth match of Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026 on 3/8. *Photo: Duc Dong*

9 minutes later, Le Pham Thanh Long split the Indonesian defense with a pass, allowing Nguyen Hai Long to break free, sprint into the penalty area, and once again shoot into the near corner, beating goalkeeper Nadeo. This time, coach Herdman lost his composure. He immediately left the stands to go down to the pitch and direct the team.

English coach John Herdman of the Indonesia national team giving instructions during the match against Vietnam in the fourth match of Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor, Indonesia on 3/8. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Despite this, Indonesia's play did not improve and they struggled both psychologically and against Vietnam's pressing. Indonesia primarily attacked down the right flank with midfielder Thom Haye and winger Eliano Reijnders, but only produced quality crosses towards the end of the first half.

Before the tournament, Herdman had requested the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to arrange a position in the stands to observe the entire match from above. After the match against Cambodia on 27/7, Herdman stated that watching the game from a higher vantage point gave him a different perspective and allowed him to assess the players' training efforts over the past three weeks. He also believed that not being in the dugout did not affect the players' performance. According to him, Indonesia's current squad has many players with leadership qualities to guide others.

Vietnam defender Nguyen Van Vi opened the scoring in the 4th minute.

Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Hai Long extended the lead to 2-0 in the 14th minute.

Many Indonesian fans compared Herdman's actions to those of Luis Enrique of PSG. The Spanish coach frequently went to the stands during the 2025-2026 season, sometimes to positions reserved for journalists, to observe matches before returning to the technical area. He also communicated with his assistants via walkie-talkie or phone.

Herdman, born in 1975, did not have a prominent playing career but rose to prominence coaching the Canada women's national football team. He then moved to the Canada men's national team, becoming the first coach to lead both a country's men's and women's teams to World Cup qualification.

Having been involved from 2011 to 2023, the Canadian Olympic Committee credited Herdman with "shaping more than a decade of Canadian football". This foundation-building ability prompted PSSI to recruit Herdman, following Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert.

Hieu Luong