Viet Tri: Vietnam dug deep to earn a 1-0 win over a stubborn Indonesian side on Sunday to make it six points from their first two ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 matches.
At a packed Viet Tri Stadium, the Golden Star Warriors dominated possession thrughout the match but appeared to be running out of ideas. However, with 77 minutes on the clock, captain Nguyen Quang Hai rifled the ball in to secure the three points.
The win moves Vietnam top of Group B and above Indonesia while the clean sheet was the team’s first in 14 matches.
It may have taken Vietnam a while to break the deadlock, but it didn’t take long for Kim Sang-sik’s side to register their first shot. Bui Tien Dung had a go from outside the box following Quang Hai’s corner in the third minute.
Indonesia spent most of the first half compact and waiting for the right moment to counter. On a couple of occasions, the Garuda were able to take flight but their advances were well-scouted.
Rafael Struick was brought on for Indonesia with 39 minutes on the clock, replacing Rivaldo Pakapahan who’d picked up a slight knock, but the forward’s inclusion didn’t add to Indonesia’s attacking impetus.
Nguyen Tien Linh had a go with a bicycle kick as the half approached its conclusion, Vietnam were having to try the spectacular to find a way through.
But the first half ended goalless with Vietnam having had 74% possession, eight attempts on goal with two finding the target while Indonesia had managed zero shots.
Looking to improve on their first-half display, Indonesia boss Shin Tae-yong made two substitutions during the break. Victor Dethan and Pratama Arhan both came on in place of Hokky Caraka and Mikael Tata.
It was a frenzied start to the second half, too, with Vietnam cranking up the intensity levels. Indonesia, much like they had done in the first half, stood firm.
Perhaps Vietnam’s best chance so far fell to Ho Tan Tai on 63 minutes, sliding in at the far post to latch on to a wicked cross from Nguyen Van Vi from the left but his effort rippled the side netting. Indonesia’s first shot came on 64 minutes with Victor Dethan forcing a good save from inside the box.
Still, the score remained 0-0 but, with the last 20 minutes approaching, both teams were beginning to feel a sense of urgency. Another Indonesia venture into the box came on 69 minutes, Dethan again forcing the goalkeeper into making a save.
The goal finally came shortly after, much to the relief of the home support and the Vietnam players. Quang Hai with a captain’s goal on 77 minutes firing in from around 19 yards out after being teed up by Tien Linh.
It was very nearly 2-0 on 86 minutes when Nguyen Hai Long let loose, right-footed from just outside the box but his attempt at the spectacular whistle just over the bar.
Stoppage time was spent with Vietnam trying to get men behind the ball and see out the win. After eight minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle was blown and the points were Vietnam’s.
Vietnam’s next opponents are the third-placed Philippines in Manila on Wednesday, December 18 while Indonesia will host the Philippines in Surakarta on Saturday, December 21.
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