Indonesia coach Herdman sees 5-1 win as just the start

Indonesia's national football team coach John Herdman views the dominant 5-1 victory over Cambodia in the AFF Cup 2026 as a crucial but initial step for his squad. Despite satisfaction with the team's tactical application and player development, Herdman stressed that significant improvements are still needed before their upcoming matches.

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We have taken some good steps tactically, but of course, there are still some gaps that we need to continue to fix.

The Indonesian team secured a convincing win against Cambodia at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor. Herdman highlighted that this was only the second time the "Garuda" squad had played together as a unit. "We have taken some good steps tactically, but of course, there are still some gaps that we need to continue to fix," Herdman stated after the game.

The 51-year-old English coach expressed pride in his players' performance, noting their ability to execute the prepared game plan with strong tactical organization and discipline. "I am proud of the clarity of tactics they showed tonight, as well as their discipline. But we still have the next match. Tournament football is always different in every game," he remarked.

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I am proud of the clarity of tactics they showed tonight, as well as their discipline. But we still have the next match. Tournament football is always different in every game.

Indonesia's next challenge is against Timor Leste on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Chonburi, Thailand. Herdman anticipates a difficult encounter, especially given the long journey to Thailand and Timor Leste's likely determination to perform after a previous loss. "It will be a tough match against a team that is hurting after a loss and will surely want to prove something," he said.

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It will be a tough match against a team that is hurting after a loss and will surely want to prove something.

Herdman reiterated that the team's primary focus remains on taking each game as it comes, emphasizing the importance of establishing their playing identity. "Today our focus was on implementing the team's tactical identity and bringing the hard work from the last three weeks into this match," he explained. He also lauded the players' fighting spirit and enjoyment of the game, concluding, "They fought together, played together, and seemed to enjoy their football. So I am very, very happy with the start we have made."

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Today our focus was on implementing the team's tactical identity and bringing the hard work from the last three weeks into this match.