John Herdman Reveals the Secret Behind Indonesia's Penalty Shootout Success Against Thailand in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Final

Indonesia National Team Head Coach, John Herdman did not select penalty takers based on big name reputations or playing positions for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Final match against Thailand. Instead, Herdman placed his trust in the players who demonstrated the most clinical finishing during training sessions.

This strategy from the English coach paid off. Indonesia defeated Thailand 4-2 on penalties, after the final match held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Monday finished 2-2 after regular time.

Out of Indonesia's five penalty takers, Kevin Diks, Dean James, Elkan Baggott, and Shayne Pattynama were the four players named by Herdman. All four successfully converted their kicks, securing the championship title for the Garuda Squad.

Herdman stated that the penalty taker list had been prepared long before the match. The coaching staff first analysed every player's finishing ability throughout the entire pre-tournament preparation period.

"The players who ended up taking the penalties are exactly those who showed the most consistent clinical performance during preparation," Herdman stated in the post-match press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Herdman, training performance is the most important foundation when deciding who will step up to the penalty spot. Players who displayed calmness and consistent accuracy during practice were given priority trust, in the event the match had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

"These players were extremely sharp with their finishing in training sessions leading up to the final," he added.

Notably, none of Indonesia's starting forwards were included in the initial penalty taker list. Herdman explained this decision was made as several attacking players had not displayed sufficient confidence when practicing penalties during preparation.

For Herdman, taking a penalty requires both proper technical ability and mental readiness. For this reason, he refused to force selection of players purely based on their reputation or their usual playing position on the pitch.

When a player could not consistently execute penalties properly during training, that opportunity was automatically given to another player who was showing more reliable form.

This principle delivered results once the final match proceeded to the penalty shootout stage. Every player selected by Herdman managed to keep their composure under immense pressure, in front of the full home Indonesian supporter crowd.

"We always Train specifically for situations like this, and in the end that hard work in training paid off," he said.

Indonesia's victory over Thailand was also influenced by other factors. Herdman assessed that the final match came down to momentum, mentality, fighting spirit, and the sheer determination of both sides to claim the trophy.

Under these high stakes circumstances, the decision to select penalty takers based on actual training performance became a critical part of Indonesia's game plan. It was never about picking the most famous name. It was always about picking who was truly ready when the moment arrived.