Teknowarta – Head coach John Herdman has set a clear mandate for the Indonesian national team ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup: a must-win clash against Southeast Asian rivals, Thailand. Following the official group stage draw held in At-Turaif, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday (May 9), Indonesia finds itself in a challenging Group F alongside heavyweights Japan, Qatar, and Thailand.
Entering the tournament as the clear underdog, Indonesia faces a difficult road ahead based on FIFA world rankings. The “Garuda Squad” currently sits at 122nd, trailing significantly behind Japan (18th), Qatar (55th), and Thailand (93rd). Despite this statistical disparity, Indonesia remains a dangerous side, bolstered by a roster featuring several high-caliber players currently plying their trade in European leagues.
Herdman expressed deep respect for Thailand’s progress under head coach Anthony Hudson, acknowledging them as a formidable opponent. However, the English tactician remained firm that the match against the “War Elephants” is non-negotiable if Indonesia intends to advance. “Thailand is a strong side under Anthony Hudson, but every match in this group is critical,” Herdman stated in a post-draw interview.
“When you look at the experience of Qatar, the sheer power of Japan, and then Thailand—that is a game we simply have to win, there is no doubt about it,” Herdman added. “As for the other two matches, they will serve as the ultimate test for our progression.”
Beyond the immediate group stage objectives, Herdman took a moment to reflect on the team’s evolution. He praised his predecessor, Shin Tae-yong, who famously guided the Garuda Squad to the Round of 16 in the 2023 edition of the tournament. “Indonesia has come a long way over the last three to four years. Shin Tae-yong did a fantastic job getting them out of the group, and now our mission is to push even further,” he explained.
The 50-year-old manager is now fueled by a burning ambition to cement his legacy in Indonesian football. Herdman is determined to make history by surpassing previous national records at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
“We must approach this with the mindset that anything is possible in tournament football,” Herdman concluded. “We are arriving with the singular goal of going further than any previous Indonesian team and creating history. That is our moment.”
Summary
Head coach John Herdman has emphasized that Indonesia must secure a victory against Thailand to progress in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Despite being placed in a challenging Group F alongside Japan and Qatar, Herdman remains focused on the must-win clash against their Southeast Asian rival to build momentum. The team aims to overcome their underdog status by leveraging a squad strengthened by players currently competing in European leagues.
Building on the success of former coach Shin Tae-yong, Herdman is committed to advancing further than previous Indonesian squads in the tournament. He recognizes the strength of their opponents but maintains that a resilient mindset is key to achieving their goal. Ultimately, the team is driven by the ambition to make history and surpass existing national records on the continental stage.