ASEAN Cup 2026 Final: Herdman Returns to 3-4-3, Thom Haye and Mitchell Baker Key for Indonesia Against Thailand
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- Timnas Indonesia akan melakoni partai puncak FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 melawan Thailand di SUGBK, Senin (5/10/2026) malam WIB, dengan formasi 3-4-3 sebagai pilihan utama John Herdman.
- Kembalinya Thom Haye setelah skorsing dan ketajaman Mitchell Baker (5 gol) menjadi dua faktor yang dinilai bisa membedakan Indonesia dari Thailand yang datang dengan modal kurang meyakinkan.
- Laga ini bukan sekadar perebutan trofi, tetapi juga ujian bagi konsistensi skema tiga bek Herdman menjelang agenda timnas berikutnya.
The Indonesia national team will face Thailand in the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Monday (5/10/2026) evening WIB. The match is the culmination of the Garuda Squad's run as Group A winners, and a moment of proof for coach John Herdman, who has consistently used a 3-4-3 formation since the start of the group phase.
Herdman's decision to stick with the three-back scheme is not without reason. The three defenders projected to fill the back line — Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggott, and Justin Hubner — have shown progress in coordination. The three are not only tasked with repelling opposition attacks, but also actively involved in building attacks from the defensive area. Ridho and Hubner even scored when Indonesia demolished Bangladesh 9-2 in the last group-phase match, an indication that their roles expand when the team is in possession.
In goal, Herdman has two quality options: Maarten Paes and Emil Audero. But Paes is likely to be trusted again from the first minute. The goalkeeper has positive momentum after keeping his goal clean in two matches against Singapore and Malaysia. Paes's experience is considered important for dealing with Thailand's pressure, especially in the crucial moments of the second half.
Midfield is the most interesting area to watch. Joey Pelupessy is expected to remain the first choice thanks to his role in keeping the team balanced. He is projected to break up the opposition's attacking flow while helping win duels for the ball, then distributing it to more advanced players. Pelupessy could again partner with Thom Haye, the experienced midfielder who has just completed a one-match suspension for a red card against Malaysia.
Haye's presence adds creativity in midfield. His ability as a playmaker makes him the attacking organizer, although the red card against Malaysia remains a note of its own.
On the flanks, Kevin Diks will have room to overlap from the right, while Calvin Verdonk can provide energy through his physical ability and stamina on the left. This combination allows Indonesia to keep the play wide while pressing Thailand's defense, which is known for its discipline.
The most striking development during the group phase was the improvement in attacking play. After struggling to score against Singapore and Malaysia, the Garuda Squad showed extraordinary sharpness against Bangladesh. A total of 11 goals were scored in the group phase, with Mitchell Baker the most prolific player with five goals. Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ole Romeny, and Luke Vickery also contributed goals.
Herdman could consider the trio of Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ole Romeny, and Mitchell Baker as starters. Ragnar provides a threat through his movement from the left, while Romeny has the mobility to switch positions and open space. Baker is the main focal point up front; his tall frame and positional awareness make the 19-year-old striker a potential primary target for passes from midfield or the flanks.
Luke Vickery could also be an option from the bench. His speed and energy can be used by Herdman to provide a change in the second half, as when facing Bangladesh. Besides Vickery, Herdman still has Egy Maulana Vikri and Rayhan Hannan as alternatives to freshen up the play during the match.
From the Thailand camp, the War Elephants come into the final after suffering a defeat to the Philippines in their last group-phase match. That condition is certainly a concern for Indonesia, which will try to exploit every weakness of the opponent. Nevertheless, Thailand remains a dangerous opponent with a tidy defensive organization and experience in regional competitions.
With the current composition, the 3-4-3 formation is the most reasonable option for Herdman. Three defenders maintain defensive balance, four players in midfield link the play, while the attacking trio is expected to put pressure on Thailand's defense. The question is, will Herdman stay faithful to this scheme until the final minute, or has he prepared a tactical surprise to break down Thailand's defense?
