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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Sports

Singapore vs Indonesia: Garuda Must Win, Herdman Asks His Players to Stay Calm

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Indonesia faces a must-win match against Singapore in their final Group A game of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup (AFF Cup) 2026 to advance to the semifinals.
  • Coach John Herdman emphasizes that this match is crucial not only for the AFF Cup but also for building the team's foundation towards the 2030 World Cup.
  • Despite reaching the AFF Cup final six times without a win, the Indonesian team is motivated to secure their first title.

The Indonesian national football team, the "Garuda," faces a critical "life or death" match against Singapore in their final Group A fixture of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup (AFF Cup) 2026. A victory is essential for the squad to secure a spot in the semifinals, making this encounter a pivotal moment in their tournament campaign.

Head coach John Herdman views the game as more than just a pathway to the AFF Cup semifinals. He stated that the match is integral to the process of building a strong foundation for the team's ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. Herdman acknowledged that Indonesia's primary ambition, as understood from PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia), is to compete on the world stage again. Therefore, every tournament, including the AFF Cup, plays a vital role in shaping the team's character and readiness.

The main target for this country is the 2030 World Cup. If we trace back, there is the 2027 Asian Cup, then this ASEAN tournament.

— John HerdmanCoach Herdman outlines the long-term vision for the Indonesian national team.

Herdman explained that tournaments like the AFF Cup offer a different kind of challenge compared to friendly matches. Beyond the pursuit of results, these competitions serve as a platform to develop playing identity and test players' mental fortitude in a true competitive atmosphere. During his approximately one month with the team, Herdman has focused on fostering team cohesion, strengthening tactical identity, and providing opportunities for players to showcase their abilities as part of the long-term vision.

Despite the long-term objectives, Herdman acknowledged the team's deep-seated desire to end Indonesia's wait for an AFF Cup title. The nation has reached the final six times but has never lifted the trophy. "Deep in our hearts, of course, there is a desire to be the first to lift the trophy for this country," he remarked, underscoring the team's motivation to achieve this significant milestone.

Deep in our hearts, of course, there is a desire to be the first to lift the trophy for this country.

— John HerdmanCoach Herdman expresses the team's motivation to win the AFF Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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