Viet Nam miss victory in final minutes
Even though Viet Nam didn"t actually score a goal, they managed to squeak out a 1-1 draw against Indonesia in Group B of the Southeast Asian (ASEAN)…
Viet Nam got on the scoreboard 35 minutes into the game when Indonesian Supardi put one in his own net. A late goal by midfielder Saktiawan in the injury time, however, saved Indonesia from an embarrassing loss.
Indonesia, who opened its campaign with a 3-1 win over Laos last Saturday at National Stadium, with Atep scoring two of the goals, dominated from the start with shots from Ponaryo Astaman and Saktiawan threatening Vietnamese goalkeeper Bui Quang Huy, who appeared too nervous.
As Astaman opened fire from the first whistle for Indonesia, Vietnamese striker Le Cong Vinh also threatened Indonesian goalie Hendro Kartiko with his close range header from Huynh Quang Thanh”s right cross.
But Indonesia still clearly controlled the match under English coach Peter Withe. They are a favourite to win the cup this year.
Viet Nam, who held a goalless draw against defending champion Singapore last weekend, tried to pull out all the stops for the win and a semi-final spot in the group. Defenders and midfielders, however, couldn”t connect with their offensive line, and play became slow and exhausted.
When Indonesia sustained their domination in the first half, Viet Nam created an opportunity for a counterattack in the 35th minute.
Left back Huynh Quang Thanh made a perfect right cross to find striker Phan Thanh Binh in the penalty area, but Binh missed the ball. Instead, the cross rebounded off Supradi (who was marking Binh)”s left foot and found the net.
In the second half, Indonesia”s efforts were fruitless as Viet Nam intensified its defence.
Peter Withe decided to play key man Bambang Pamugkas, and his decision paid off.
In the 82nd minute, Bambang sent a cross after a race on the left to Ilham Jayakesuma, but the convert hit the post, missing a goal for Indonesia.
Four minutes from time, Vietnamese striker Le Cong Vinh also missed a chance to score a goal when his close shot met the post.
Viet Nam would have won the match if their defenders were alert in the injury time, but right back Phung Van Nhien failed to clear the ball before pushing an Indonesian player near the edge of the 18-yard box.
From a free kick, Saktiawan netted the ball with his header, beating keeper Quang Huy and Vietnamese defenders.
In the championship in Viet Nam three years ago, Indonesia beat Viet Nam 3-0, which knocked Viet Nam out of the group stage in their first match.
Viet Nam is scheduled to meet Laos in Group B tomorrow, while Indonesia play Singapore.
The group stages are playing out in Singapore and Thailand from January 12-17, with the top two teams from each pool progressing through to the semi-finals on January 23 and 24, and 27 and 28.
VNS
