Indonesia has not beaten Vietnam at My Dinh for 20 years.

Before the second leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Indonesia had drawn or lost every time they visited Vietnam since 2004.

The last time the Indonesian team won at Vietnam’s national stadium was in the group stage of the 2004 AFF Cup, with a score of 3-0. Since then, they have visited six more times, with four draws and two losses. Of these, three were friendlies.

Indonesia's heaviest defeat during the above period at My Dinh was 0-4, which took place in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. The last time they visited here, they lost 0-2 in the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup semi-finals.

Marselino Ferdinan has not forgotten the defeat two years ago, when Indonesia, full of confidence, conceded a goal in the third minute. "We lost the goal quickly because we were probably not focused," said the striker born in 2004. "Currently, the players realize that playing in Hanoi is not easy."

Nguyen Tien Linh (red shirt) scores against Indonesia in the third minute of the second leg of the AFF Cup 2022 semi-final. Photo: Hieu Luong

Ferdinan called on his teammates to be mentally prepared to perform their best when visiting Vietnam. Assistant coach Nova Arianto also agreed, saying that Indonesia should not underestimate Vietnam despite having won the last two matches.

Coach Shin Tae-yong said: "It's true that Indonesia hasn't won at My Dinh for a long time. I will try to prove that the team can win here."

President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) Erick Thohir also warned: "I appreciate the disciplined play that helped the team win the first match in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. I hope the players maintain their form and do not slack off when coming to Vietnam. Be humble and always focus because the battle is long."

Thohir advised the players to stay fit, maintain discipline, train hard and follow all instructions from the coaching staff. "Prove that you can play well in Vietnam," said the PSSI President.

Main events of the match Vietnam lost 0-1 to Indonesia in the third round of Group F, second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Indonesia beat Vietnam 1-0 in the first leg at Bung Karno Stadium on March 21. If they win the rematch on March 26, they will have a great chance to qualify for the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers for the first time. With a draw, the advantage still belongs to the archipelago team before the final two matches against Iraq and the Philippines at home. Currently, they are second in Group F with four points, one point ahead of Vietnam.

Indonesia received good news when no player was injured in the match at Bung Karno. In addition, they welcomed three quality players: captain Asnawi Mangkualam after suspension, two new naturalized players: midfielder Thom Haye and striker Ragnar Oratmagoen.

Thom Haye has received high expectations to control the Indonesian midfield, showing the qualities of a midfielder who is currently playing for SC Heerenveen in the Dutch National Championship. Previously, Indonesian fans were very confident when witnessing the quality performance against Vietnam of central defender Jay Idzes, who is playing for Serie B club Venezia.

Hieu Luong

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