RI cruises to soccer semifinal

RI cruises to soccer semifinal

BACOLOD CITY: Indonesia coasted to a 4-0 win over Laos in a preliminary-round match on Monday to join Group B winner Vietnam in the final four of the soccer competition.

But the win came at a cost as three Indonesian starters, including captain Agus Indra Kurniawan, were suspended for the semifinals after they picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament.

"I had to play with my best team to get into the semifinals," said Indonesia coach Peter Withe. "I'm disappointed with the silly yellows that we picked up. But some of them were under provocation (from the Laotian players)."

The first goal came from Richardo Salampessy in the 40th minute, before Jumadi Abdi doubled the lead via a deflected shot on goal five minutes later.

Mahyadi Panggabean gave Indonesia a three-goal advantage with a low, swerving drive in the 78th minute. Kurniawan converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to seal the win.

Indonesia are likely to play current Group A leader Thailand in the semifinals on Friday. -- AP