Indonesia started the tournament with a resounding victory over Cambodia at their home ground, Pakansari Stadium, on Monday. This stands as their biggest opening match win in 30 years, with the same scoreline achieved against Laos in 1996.

Indonesia's dominant performance in the opening match was praised by the local media as it suits their status as a title contender.

The team had 67% possession and registered 26 shots with 13 on target. They also maintained a 91% accuracy rate from over 600 passes throughout the game.

PSSI president Thohir praised the performance of coach John Herdman's squad but said Cambodia were not yet a real challenge in the tournament, pointing out that Indonesia's biggest opponent in Group A are Vietnam.

Erick Thohir at a press conference in Jakarta in February 2019. Photo by Reuters

"The opening match was quite good, but Vietnam are the true measure of quality, and this match could be crucial," Thohir told Bola. "That doesn't mean we underestimate the next matches against Timor-Leste and Singapore."

In their last five encounters with Vietnam, Indonesia have won three times and lost twice.

During their most recent meeting in the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Indonesia suffered a 0-1 defeat against Vietnam at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho. However, it is worth noting that they fielded a U21 squad under former coach Shin Tae-yong for that game.

Both Vietnam and Indonesia are viewed as contenders for the semifinals. Finishing first in Group A is the right move, as it would likely help them avoid the winner of Group B, which is expected to be Thailand, in the semis.

Indonesia currently have three points like Vietnam but are third in the group due to goal difference (+4 compared to Vietnam's +7). Singapore lead the group with six points, having played two matches.

Indonesia and Vietnam are scheduled to meet at Pakansari Stadium on Aug. 3, three days after Vietnam will host Singapore, and Indonesia travel to Thailand to face Timor-Leste.

Despite facing a grueling schedule with a match every three days, Indonesia will not use chartered flights during the group stage. Travel arrangements have been carefully planned to ensure the team only requires one flight, though the journey will still take 10 hours to arrive in Chonburi, Thailand.

Coach Herdman affirmed that squad rotation is a must for the upcoming fixtures, since most of the players are not yet in top physical condition during pre-season.