German full‑back Kevin Diks steered Indonesia to a historic win, clinching the debut FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after a nerve‑wracking penalty shootout against Thailand. For my money, his leadership turned a modest squad into champions.
<!–>
In a dramatic four-goal final thriller, Dean James fired Indonesia into an 84th-minute lead before Iklas Sanron leveled proceedings three minutes later. Peeradol Chamrasamee then struck the go-ahead goal for Thailand in the 110th minute before Elkan Baggott sent the game to penalties with a late equaliser.
In front of more than 70,000 spectators, Diks – who has been ever-present in the Bundesliga this season – set the tone by converting his country’s first spot kick with confidence, into the bottom corner as the 118th-ranked nation defeated their southeast Asian counterparts 4-2 on penalties.
–> <!–>
“This is a proud moment for Indonesia. It’s the first trophy in history,” said Indonesia head coach John Herdman.
“That’s our mission. No matter how long it takes, the only thing that matters is lifting the trophy for all of you, for this country, and making you proud.”
Watch: Get to know Gladbach’s Kevin Diks
–> <!–>