ASC 2020: Indonesia 0-0 Vietnam
Indonesia and Vietnam have played out a scoreless draw at Bishan Stadium that leaves Group B very much in the balance heading into the final round of matches this weekend.
Due to a superior goal difference it’s Indonesia that sit atop the standings heading into their final clash with Malaysia whilst Vietnam will need to avoid slipping up as they tussle with Cambodia.
The draw was a very tightly fought affair with the point being a reward for Indonesia’s focus and discipline, according to coach Shin Tae-yong.
“Before coming to the match, I told the players that we must not lose and that the minimum requirement was to get one point.
“Vietnam is a good team and we might not be as good as them, performance wise, just yet but I told the team the importance of having a strong mentality so I’m satisfied with the draw.”
The first half was one that Vietnam dominated in terms of possession but they struggled to break down a hard-working Indonesia side as Nguyen Tuan Anh blazed wide from distance in the 20th minute before Nguyen Quang Hai shot straight at goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata – in after first choice Ernando Ari was injured in the warmups – just shy of the half hour.
A half volley from Nguyen Cong Phuong from a corner then flashed wide in the 33rd minute in what was the final effort of note in a half of limited chances and one that saw the star forward go down with injury late on.
Unfortunately for Vietnam, Cong Phuong was unable to continue for a second half that saw a deflected Quang Hai effort fly wide in the 56th minute before Phan Van Duc did likewise on the hour as things continued to be very tight and the chances at a premium.
Substitute Nguyen Tien Linh scuffed an effort wide in the 71st minute and then it was Indonesia’s turn to lose a key player to injury with Witan Sulaeman forced off with 12 minutes remaining.
A lashed effort, once again from distance, from Nguyen Phong Hong Duy was the best of the limited late chances in a match that ultimately ended scoreless.
That result leaves Vietnam second on the Group B standings, a situation that coach Park Hang-seo said is out of his control.
“We can’t be worried about Indonesia or what they might do when they play Malaysia, we can only focus on our team and we will be doing all we can to win our final match.
“Tonight, we did well and if we could have scored it would be good but not scoring doesn’t have such a big effect.”
