Vietnam is currently third in Group A with 4 points, trailing Indonesia by 2 points and Singapore by 3 points. Coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged that the 0-0 draw against Singapore at My Dinh Stadium last week created repercussions. This includes the pressure to secure a win to keep pace with rivals and increased difficulty in planning for the away match against Indonesia.

The winner of this match will secure a spot in the semifinals. However, even with a loss, Indonesia could still control their fate when they face Singapore in the final round on 7/8. Conversely, a loss or a draw would mean Coach Kim Sang-sik's team loses control over their advancement.

Coach Kim Sang-sik during Vietnam's 0-0 draw against Singapore in Group A's third round of the ASEAN Cup 2026, at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on 31/7. *Hieu Luong*

These variables only heighten the drama for a match already considered an early final in the tournament. Today's game at Pakansari Stadium also extends the 10-year rivalry between the two national teams, which began with Indonesia's victory in the 2016 AFF Cup semifinals. This was followed by tactical battles between Korean coaches Park Hang-seo and Shin Tae-yong.

Vietnam held an advantage over Indonesia from 2018 to 2022, securing three wins and two draws. However, Indonesia's naturalization policy, bringing in players of Dutch descent, shifted the balance of power. Coupled with Vietnam's struggles under Philippe Troussier, this allowed Indonesia to defeat Vietnam in three consecutive matches for the first time, across the Asian Cup 2023 and the second round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The rivalry plays out in every corner of the field and in every challenge. Indonesians still view Doan Van Hau as a villain and a focal point of controversy. Meanwhile, Vietnamese fans recall Pratama Arhan's tackle that sent Nguyen Tuan Anh flying during the second round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers, or Marc Klok's dive involving Van Hau in the 2022 AFF Cup semifinals.

However, center-back Rizky Ridho believes there will be little room for similar negative situations, as VAR is present in the group stage. "Both Indonesia and Vietnam will be very cautious with every action", Indonesia's captain stated.

Defender Doan Van Hau received a yellow card after a clash with an Indonesian player in the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup semifinals at My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi on 9/1/2023. *Hieu Luong*

This match also serves as an opportunity for Indonesia's players of Dutch descent, though not all are present, to demonstrate their strength against Vietnam. Conversely, Vietnam's players of Brazilian origin also need to prove their capabilities, considered superior to domestic players, following their lackluster performance against Singapore.

The game is also a battle of wits between two coaches. One has built a reputation with three consecutive Southeast Asian titles: the ASEAN Cup 2024, the U23 Southeast Asian Championship 2025, and a SEA Games 33 gold medal. The other, having joined 8 months ago, is laying the initial groundwork for Indonesia's ambition to qualify for the World Cup 2030.

The Korean coach confidently declared that Vietnam arrived in Indonesia to win, not to settle for a draw. He also made no secret that Vietnam would employ a new strategy against their opponent, mentioning weaknesses such as the coordination between Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai in central midfield. However, Kim spoke with a knowing smile, characteristic of how he often creates surprises in his starting lineups during official tournaments over the past three years.

On the opposing sideline is John Herdman, who, despite his small stature, has led Canada to both the men's and women's World Cups. The English coach's initial impression is his habit of going into the stands to observe the overall game before making adjustments, combined with a passionate coaching style. He is eager to face what he considers the strongest opponent in the tournament.

"What we can control is maintaining our style and identity. We cannot control what Vietnam brings", Herdman said. "What Vietnam does might be their nature. It's a big match, but it's also just one match in the journey towards the final".

Hieu Luong