On June 9, Kim attended a friendly match between Indonesia and Mozambique at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, as reported by Vietnamese media outlet VnExpress. Accompanied by an assistant coach, he was seen in the stands taking photos with local fans during the game. However, he did not elaborate on the purpose of his visit. When asked by reporters, he simply stated, "I came to watch the Indonesian national team play."
Local media interpreted Kim's visit as a strategic analysis of Indonesia's capabilities, especially since Vietnam and Indonesia are both in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026, alongside Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. Analysts believe that both teams are likely to compete for the top position in the group, making their matchup one of the most anticipated events.
Reports indicate that Kim observed the game from near the press area in the second half, focusing on Indonesia's tactical changes, player formations, and the game management style under coach John Herdman. This observation was particularly crucial for Vietnam, as Indonesia utilized the FIFA Day period for a large-scale training camp and played consecutive matches against Oman and Mozambique to assess their current strength.
Herdman also commented on Kim's presence during a post-match press conference, acknowledging that Kim was clearly conducting reconnaissance. However, he emphasized that the performance displayed in the friendly would not necessarily reflect what would happen in the tournament.
Herdman noted that the current Indonesian squad is in a unique situation, as many players from Europe are included, but the ASEAN Cup does not take place during FIFA Day. He remarked, "The player composition could change during the tournament," adding with a smile, "I hope Kim discovered some noteworthy players."
Eric Thohir, president of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), was also surprised by Kim's visit. When informed by local reporters, Thohir expressed astonishment and confirmed the news. He stated, "In top-level football, it is natural for strong teams to observe each other continuously." He pointed out that Vietnam and Thailand have higher FIFA rankings than Indonesia and that they would not want to miss Indonesia's recent growth in football.
Positive Reception in Vietnam
Meanwhile, Vietnamese football fans have reacted positively to Kim's scouting efforts. Some fans noted that Indonesia has developed into a formidable Southeast Asian team, showcasing not only naturalized players but also strong pressing, excellent stamina, and fast-paced football. They emphasized the need for Vietnam to closely analyze Indonesia's build-up play, use of space, and the interplay between naturalized and local players to maintain their competitive edge in the region.
One fan remarked, "As a national team coach, analyzing opponents is just as important as coaching players. It is only natural to study the competition." Another fan praised Kim's professionalism, stating, "We should focus on the preparation process rather than rushing for results. It is crucial to understand Indonesia thoroughly to regain Vietnam's competitive strength."
Some fans pointed out that while Kim is scouting, Indonesia will also be observing him, suggesting that the competition has already begun in the stands. However, there were also cautious views regarding Indonesia's strength, noting that the ASEAN Cup does not occur during FIFA Day, which could lead to discrepancies between the current squad and the actual tournament roster.
Kim's visit to Indonesia is seen as more than just attending a match; it signifies Vietnam's commitment to preparing for the tournament as they aim to defend their title as the reigning champions of the ASEAN Cup against one of their strongest competitors.
The ASEAN Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 26. Vietnam will seek to defend its title, while Indonesia aims to overcome the disappointment of being eliminated in the group stage in the previous tournament.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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