Indonesia Beats Vietnam in Asian Cup 2023
- VIVA.co.id/Arianti Widya
Doha – Indonesian national team achieved an important victory over Vietnam in the Asian Cup 2023, as both teams went for the jugular in a battle at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Friday local time.
The win keeps the Indonesians in with a chance of qualifying for the last 16 knockout rounds. Indonesia opened the match with ferocious aggression that caught the Vietnamese off guard.
Playing at a different level of pace and intent, Indonesia dominated the early stages of play. An early chance was thwarted by the referee as he accidentally obstructed Marselino Ferdinan’s dribble towards goal.
Indonesia was upset with the resulting drop ball, feeling that the official had ruined a good opportunity to open the match with an early goal.
Regardless of their misfortune, Indonesia remained hungry for a goal in early play as Rafael Struick came close with a curling effort not far from nestling in the top right corner.
In the 12th minute and with Indonesia comfortably on top, Justin Hubner unleashed his impressive long throw, warning Vietnam of a potential new dynamic and forcing a save from Vietnam’s Nguyen.
Unable to properly absorb into the pace of the game Vietnam continued to give away possession as manager Philippe Troussier became increasingly frustrated on the sidelines.
With frustration growing, Vietnam resorted to long-range shots, with little success. The crowd behind the goal were more threatened than Indonesia’s goal.
Both teams were clearly determined to leave it all out on the pitch, which created a foul-fest atmosphere akin to a knockout game.
Sandy Walsh came close to putting his side in front in the 36th minute after powering an unmarked header towards the bottom left, resulting in a save from keeper Nguyen that was as impressive as it was important.
Minutes later, Indonesia were awarded a crucial penalty ahead of half time after a clumsy challenge in the box from Vietnam, who clearly tugged Struick’s shirt.
