Calvin Verdonk Reveals John Herdman’s Special Instruction in Indonesia’s ASEAN Cup Final Win
Indonesia defender Calvin Verdonk has revealed the tactical instruction given to him by head coach John Herdman during the national team’s dramatic victory over Thailand in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final.
Indonesia made history by lifting the trophy after defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties, following a goalless draw through extra time.
The triumph ended Indonesia’s 35-year wait for a major international trophy and also marked a significant achievement for Herdman in his first major campaign in charge of the Garuda.
Verdonk played a particularly versatile role in the final, with the 29-year-old moving between several positions throughout the match.
He started at left-back before being pushed into midfield and later moving further forward to operate on the left wing.
The versatility did not bother Verdonk, who said his priority was simply to follow Herdman’s instructions and contribute wherever he was needed.
“In the first half, I played on the left wing, which is my position. I felt very good there throughout the first half,” Verdonk told reporters, including Vivagoal, after the match.
“But the coach wanted to make some changes. I played wherever he put me. I played as a midfielder, then moved to the left wing. I was everywhere.”
Verdonk admitted Indonesia could have produced a better performance against Thailand, particularly after the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Nicholas Mickelsonwas sent off for a second yellow card in the 81st minute.
However, the defender was not concerned about how the final unfolded as long as Indonesia ultimately secured the victory.
The Garuda kept their composure during the penalty shootout to seal the historic triumph and finally end the country’s long wait for silverware.
“It doesn’t matter how the game went. What matters is that we won. This is our first trophy,” Verdonk said.
“It was a crazy game. We have to play better, but we won, so it doesn’t matter.”
The victory capped a historic FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign for Indonesia, who finally ended a 35-year wait to lift a major international trophy.
