Indonesia trounces Vietnam in Tiger Cup

Indonesia trounces Vietnam in Tiger Cup

Agencies, Hanoi

Indonesia stunned Vietnam 3-0 in a Tiger Cup Group A match
Saturday in Hanoi, putting the host country in danger of being
eliminated in the semifinals for the first time in the
tournament's history.

Indonesia's quick passes on all parts of the field in the
first half created a number of problems for Vietnam to organize
attacks.

Indonesia's Muhammad Mauli Lessy scored from a header off a
corner at the 20th minute to help the guests lead 1-0.

One minute later, Indonesia's Boas T.E. Salossa expanded the
lead with a powerful shot from 20 meters.

Vietnam then launched a series of attacks but Indonesian
veteran goalkeeper Hendro Kartiko disappointed Vietnamese
players' efforts.

Vietnam's Nguyen Minh Phuong's free kick from 25 meters in the
25th minute was pushed away and Kartiko made two other saves just
minutes later.

Vietnam had another good chance at the 30th minute when
another free kick by Phuong went wide. Indonesia's Ilham Jaya
Kesuma sealed the victory in the injury time of the first half
when he sent a shot just on the edge of the box past Vietnamese
substitute goalkeeper Bui Quang Huy.

Vietnam staged a series of attacks in the second half, trying
to iron out the deficit, but all their efforts were denied by
Indonesia's goalkeeper or their shots went wide.

In the last 15 minutes of the game, Vietnamese fans became so
frustrated with their team that they began cheering for
Indonesia.

"I knew this game was very important for both teams, and I
knew the pressure on the home side was immense because of the
support and expectations of the crowd," said Indonesia coach
Peter Withe.

"They all wanted Vietnam to get the right result, and I think
the way that the (Indonesian) team played and the system that we
played justified, really, the results that we got."

Indonesia tops Group A with seven points. Vietnam is second
with four, Laos is third with three and Singapore is fourth with
two.

Vietnam could face elimination for the first time since the
biennial Tiger Cup began in 1996 because Singapore could advance
to the semifinals with its last two games against underdogs Laos
and Cambodia.

Indonesia also has another game against lowly Cambodia and
Vietnam has one more against Laos.

Meanwhile, Laos ruined Cambodia's hopes of winning its first
game in the competition, coming back from a goal down to secure a
2-1 victory in a battle between the group A minnows.

Cambodia, comprehensively outplayed by Vietnam on Thursday
when it was thrashed 9-1, enjoyed a strong start at My Dinh
stadium.

Midfielder Hing Darith escaped the whole Laos defense after 27
minutes to put Cambodia in front.

After the break Laos seemed to find its rhythm, dominating
possession and having several attempts on goal.

But they failed to convert any of their numerous chances until
Laos captain Chalana Luang-Amath scored from two penalties on 63
and 73 minutes.

Within ten minutes Cambodia's hopes slumped and the team
appeared drained of energy.

The game was littered with mistakes with Cambodia seemingly
unable to organize their defense.

It might prove difficult for them to win any game in the
tournament as they take on Indonesia and Singapore.

Tiger Cup's Group A

Team GP W D L GF GA Pts

Indonesia 3 2 1 0 9 0 7

Vietnam 3 1 1 1 10 5 4

Laos 2 1 0 1 2 7 3

Singapore 2 0 2 0 1 1 2

Cambodia 2 0 0 2 2 11 0