Indonesia coach stands on chair to match tall striker’s height
On July 27, 2026, Indonesia defeated Cambodia 5-1 at the ASEAN Cup 2026 group A second round match held at Pakansari Stadium. Forward Mitchell Baker, newly naturalized and standing 1.97 meters tall, scored a hat-trick on his debut for Indonesia. Coach John Herdman humorously stood on a chair during the post-match photo to bridge the height difference, creating a memorable moment. This victory gave Indonesia three points and momentum heading into upcoming matches against Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Key facts
- Indonesia defeated Cambodia 5-1 at ASEAN Cup 2026 group A
- Mitchell Baker, naturalized Indonesian forward, scored a hat-trick on debut
- Coach John Herdman humorously stood on a chair for team photo due to Baker’s height
Why it matters
Indonesia’s impressive debut of naturalized player Mitchell Baker, combined with their dominant win over Cambodia, signals growing strength in Southeast Asian football. The coach’s lighthearted approach highlights team morale, which can bolster Indonesia’s performance in upcoming matches against regional rivals including Vietnam, making this development noteworthy for fans tracking ASEAN Cup competition dynamics.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by VnExpress - Thể thao, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to VnExpress - Thể thao.
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