During a press conference on 30/7, the Portuguese coach was questioned about the potential for a physical match, given Indonesia's stronger squad and Timor Leste's need to compete for points. Ze Pedro emphasized that while football demands athleticism and intense challenges, it does not permit players to engage in rough play.

"I will not allow my team to play overly violently", he stated. "Players must be brave in one-on-one duels and make a difference, but they must not cross the line. This is football, not boxing. We will strive to play with the ball and without it".

Portuguese coach Ze Pedro of the Timor Leste national team at a press conference after their 0-7 loss to Vietnam in the opening match of Group A, ASEAN Cup 2026, at Chonburi stadium, Thailand on 24/7. *Photo: Duc Dong*

The 44-year-old coach aims for Timor Leste to deliver an engaging match and further refine their playing style after their initial two games. The team currently sits at the bottom of Group A following two consecutive defeats. Ze Pedro's squad suffered a 0-7 loss to Vietnam in their opener, followed by a 0-2 defeat to Singapore, conceding a total of 9 goals across two rounds. Nevertheless, Ze Pedro remains confident his players can secure more points in the two remaining matches to finish the tournament on a more positive note.

Timor Leste has participated in the ASEAN Cup only 5 times, in 2004, 2018, 2020, 2024, and 2026. In all four prior appearances, the team consistently finished last in their group, losing all 16 matches. Consequently, every point secured in this year's tournament carries historical significance for the national team.

Conversely, Indonesia coach John Herdman also declined to underestimate their opponent, despite an 83-rank FIFA difference separating the two teams.

The English coach believes the match against Timor Leste at the neutral Chonburi stadium in Thailand will be more challenging than public perception suggests. He noted that Indonesia had to undertake extensive travel to compete, whereas Timor Leste, having already played two matches, is better acclimated to the tournament's intensity. "We anticipate a difficult match. Timor Leste has already played two games, so they are accustomed to the tournament's rhythm and intensity", Herdman stated.

The Indonesia coach also observed the opponent's progressive improvement with each game. He judged Timor Leste's performance against Singapore to be notably superior to their opening match, suggesting players are developing a clearer understanding of tactics and collaborating more effectively. "We cannot take this opponent lightly", the 51-year-old coach emphasized.

Despite offering praise for the opposition, the English coach remains confident that if Indonesia plays to its strengths, they possess the capability to secure a victory.

Hoang An (according to CNN Indonesia)