John Herdman Targets Historic Win as Indonesia Faces Thailand in ASEAN Cup Final

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia will have an opportunity to end its decade-long wait for a victory over Thailand and claim the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup title when the two teams meet in the final at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Monday, October 5, at 8 p.m. Jakarta time.

Indonesia's head coach John Herdman said he was motivated to reverse the historical trend and lead the Garuda to the regional trophy, despite Thailand’s stronger head-to-head record.

“Yes, I have looked at the history between the two teams. I think Thailand have won quite a number of matches against Indonesia,” Herdman said at a pre-match press conference at GBK Main Stadium on Sunday, October 4, as quoted by Antara.

“I am sure they will be confident because they have a history of winning against Indonesia. For us, this is an important step for these players to reverse that trend,” he added.

The two teams have met 78 times since 1957, with Thailand recording 37 victories, Indonesia winning 25 and the remaining matches ending in draws.

Indonesia has also struggled in their last 10 meetings, winning twice compared with Thailand’s five victories. Indonesia’s most recent win came a decade ago in the first leg of the 2016 AFF Cup final, when the Garuda came from behind to win 2-1. Thailand took the lead through Teerasil Dangda before Indonesia responded with goals from Hansamu Yama and Rizky Pora.

Herdman said he had studied Thailand’s playing style under head coach Anthony Hudson, describing the team as flexible and capable of adapting its formation during matches.

The English coach is familiar with Hudson from their time in North American football, when Hudson served as an assistant coach with the United States while Herdman led Canada.

“Whether they play with a diamond formation and change to a back five, or switch from a back five to a 4-2-1-3 or 4-3-3, we have seen Anthony Hudson do that. He is very flexible and adaptable. He is a top coach, and I know him from North America. He is very good at his job,” he explained.

Despite Thailand’s tactical flexibility and historical advantage, Herdman believes Indonesia can win if the players maintain the right mentality and focus on their own performance.

“Ultimately, what matters is the spirit we bring into the match and our mentality. If we have the right mentality, focus on ourselves and take advantage of the opportunities we create, we will have a good chance,” he concluded. ***