Indonesia edges Vietnam in thrilling Tiger Cup match

Indonesia edges Vietnam in thrilling Tiger Cup match

BANGKOK (AFP): Indonesian striker Gendut Christiawan booted in
Indonesia's golden goal in the final minute of extra-time for a
stunning 3-2 victory over Vietnam in the semifinals of the Tiger
Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium Thursday.

Christiawan was the toast of his country after he scored
Indonesia's first goal in the 39th minute and the winning goal in
the 120th minute.

Indonesia will face host Thailand in the final here on
Saturday. Thailand proved its dominance by crushing Malaysia 2-0.
Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang and Tawan Sripan contributed a goal
each in the 30th and 34th minutes.

Vietnam had the majority of possession but that counted for
little as last year's losing finalist to Singapore was sent
reeling from the tournament in front of over 2,000 flag-waving
fans.

Vietnam dominated early on and took the game to the
Indonesians with some superb build-ups. Star striker Le Huynh Duc
was the main focus of the attacks.

Le gave the Indonesian defense hell with his deceptive moves
and very nearly gave Vietnam the lead in the 9th minute. But his
shot was blocked by well-positioned Indonesian goalkeeper Komang
Adnyana.

Indonesia looked dangerous during its quick counterattacks but
did not trouble Vietnam's goalkeeper Tran Minh Quang as his
defenders skillfully cut off crosses from both flanks.

Vietnam continued to press the Indonesians and Nguyen Van Sy
saw two of his free kicks saved by the Indonesian goalkeeper in
the 15th and 19th minutes.

Then it was Nguyen Hong Son's turn to take potshots at the
Indonesian goal, but both his attempts in the 27th and 29th
minutes went wide.

Vietnam, boosted by the loud roar of its fans, kept attacking
in search of the elusive goal when suddenly Indonesia, in a fast
counter-attack, took the lead in the 39th minute.

Uston Nawawi collected a pass from midfield and raced down the
right flank. He then flicked over a superb cross which
Christiawan jumped up high to nod the ball neatly into the far
left, giving the Vietnamese goalkeeper no chance at all.

The Vietnamese crowd fell silent but were soon on their feet
again cheering after Vietnam scored the equalizer in the 45th
minute through Nguyen Hong Son.

Indonesia silenced the Vietnamese fans for the second time in
the match when Seto Nurdiantoro volleyed in a rebound off the bar
for Indonesia's second goal in the 76th minute.

In another match, Thailand, which was definitely the superior
side, could have won by a bigger margin but missed some easy
goals as Malaysia put up a gallant fight in the second half.

Thailand, urged on by more than 20,000 screaming fans, went
into the offensive with some terrific moves on both flanks that
had the Malaysian defense backpedaling in desperation to keep the
Thai strikers at bay.

Kiatisuk Senamuang, also known as "Zico", caused all sorts of
problems for the Malaysian defense, teasing them and wrong-
footing them at every turn.