Hector Unhappy With Indonesia’s Performance Despite Semifinal Spot

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian national futsal team head coach Hector Souto admitted he was left dissatisfied with his team’s performance, despite securing a place in the semifinals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026. 

His team edged Vietnam 3-2 at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, a result that delivered a historic breakthrough as Indonesia advanced beyond the quarterfinals for the first time. Yet Souto stressed that the display fell short of the dominance he demands, underscoring his focus on performance over results.

“I am not satisfied with the team’s performance. I always talk about performance and results. In terms of the result, of course I am very happy. But in terms of performance, this is not the performance I want. I expect a much more dominant team,” Hector Souto said in the mixed zone at the Indonesia Arena, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia played strongly in the first half, scoring two goals through Wendy Brian Ick and Ardiansyah Nur. However, the solid display did not continue after the break. “We started the second half asleep,” said the Spanish coach.

Vietnam pulled a goal back through Nguyen Da Hai early in the second half, but Indonesia restored their two-goal advantage a minute later when Reza Gunawan finished a low cross from the right side.

The goal encouraged Vietnam to take greater risks by using a power-play strategy. The approach paid off when Da Hai scored his second goal in the 36th minute. “The players did not perform well. There was a lack of connection during the first three to five minutes,” he added.

Looking ahead, Souto confirmed that Indonesia is now targeting a place in the final. “Now, yes, the target is the final,” he continued.

Indonesia will face Japan in the semifinals on Thursday, February 5. Japan advanced after thrashing Afghanistan 6-0 at the Jakarta International Velodrome in East Jakarta. ***​