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