Indonesia loses to Malaysia 2-1<\/p>\n
KELANA JAYA, Malaysia (AP): A spectacular left-foot free kick
\nfrom defender Irwan Fadzli sealed a 2-1 victory for Malaysia over
\nIndonesia in a Southeast Asian Games Group B match Sunday.<\/p>\n
After unexpectedly going behind early in the second half, the
\nMalaysians, who dominated the match, clawed their way back with
\ntwo goals in the last 20 minutes, to the delight of the 20,000
\nspectators.<\/p>\n
They are now likely to win one of the two semifinal berths
\nfrom Group B, although none will be sealed until the last round-
\nrobin games are played Tuesday. Thailand and Myanmar already have
\nclinched the semifinal berths from Group A.<\/p>\n
Malaysia set the early pace and could have ended the first
\nhalf two or three goals ahead. Indonesia struggled to settle,
\nlooking vulnerable in defense and often resorting to aimless long
\nballs into open field.<\/p>\n
In the fourth minute, Malaysian skipper Hairuddin Bin Omar
\nconverted a cross from a free kick on the left flank, only to be
\nruled offside. The decision was met with howls of derision from
\nthe drum-thumping, flag-waving home supporters.<\/p>\n
Three minutes into the second half, Indonesia scored against
\nthe run of play.<\/p>\n
Unmarked striker Maman got on the end of a deep cross from the
\nleft flank and scored with a fine looping header that left
\nMalaysian keeper Kamarulzaman Hassan groping.<\/p>\n
The Malaysian side was rattled, but gradually regathered
\ncomposure, even as the play became bruising. Four Indonesians
\nwere booked and stretcher bearers shuttled frequently onto the
\npitch.<\/p>\n
The home side's pressure paid dividends in the 70th minute,
\nwith a penalty converted by Akmal Rizal, after an Indonesian
\ndefender had barged into the back of a Malaysian forward as a
\ncross came in.<\/p>\n
Nine minutes from time came the moment of the match. Malaysia
\nwas awarded a free kick 25 meters out. Irwan Fadzli stepped up
\nand positioned his curling shot perfectly past the Indonesian
\nwall and into the top left-hand corner of the net.<\/p>\n
After the final whistle, the Malaysian team did a lap of honor
\nof the packed Kelana Jaya stadium, while a large section of the
\nhome crowd booed off the Indonesians as they left the pitch.<\/p>",
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