The Indonesian national team drew 1-1 with Vietnam in the second matchday of Group C of the U-16 Asian Cup. Indonesia survived defeat thanks to Sutan Zico’s goal. Indonesia appeared without Mochammad Supriadi at the beginning of the game when dealing with Vietnam at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Monday (09/24/2018). Supriadi’s absence in the beginning of the game did not make the Indonesian attack loose. Indonesia actually threatened Vietnam’s goal several times in the early days of the game. Despite having many opportunities in the beginning, Indonesia conceded first through a powerful Van Khang free kick goal in the 31st minute. The goal closed the first half with a score of 1-0 for Vietnam. At the beginning of the second half Indonesia immediately pressed. Goals immediately came in the 50th minute through Sutan Zico’s feet. The goal also saved Indonesia from defeat to close the game with a score of 1-1. An additional one point does not change Indonesia’s position at the top of Group C with four points. That number is the same as India in second place, but Indonesia excels on goal difference. Indonesia scored three goals with one conceded and India scored one goal without conceding.
In third and fourth positions inhabited by Iran and Vietnam who have one point. Iran’s only points were obtained after a 0-0 draw with Iran. Indonesia needs a draw against India to lock tickets to the quarterfinals as group winners. Vietnam put pressure on the Indonesian defense when the game had been running for two minutes, but goalkeeper Ernando Ari managed to secure the ball.Indonesia created opportunities in the 14th minute. Amiruddin Bagus Kahfi opened fire from outside the penalty box, but Vietnam goalkeeper Nguyen Duy Dung anticipated that the Garuda Nusantara striker’s strike was still weak. Bagus play pretty okay for 30 minutes. Its movements often make the Vietnamese defense hassles. In fact, several times a Vietnamese player must violate Bagus to stop the action. Vietnam, who had minimal attacks, managed to take advantage of the free kick moment in the 31st minute. Strong Van Khang managed to score after the ball directed to the top corner of Ernando’s goal was unreachable. Vietnam 1-0 lead. Indonesia tried to to score a goal in the 34th minute with a free kick, but Bagus kicked the ball against the posse. Fadilah try to grab the rebound ball, but still hit the opponent’s foot. Vietnam threatened near the end of the first half. Hau faced one on one with Ernando Ari. The Indonesian goalkeeper superbly held back the ball with his feet. A 1-0 score lasted until halftime for the superiority of Vietnam. Coach Fakhri Husaini made changes in the second round. Amanar Abdillah was pulled out to play Sutan Zico. The change immediately yielded results in the 50th minute. Utilizing Bagus bait, Zico releases the ball from a narrow angle with the opponent’s position escorted. The ball slid into Vietnam’s goal to change the score to 1-1. Zico’s goal made Indonesia above the wind. Zico almost scored the second goal for Indonesia with a free kick in the 60th minute. His shot failed to produce a goal after a little soar above the goal. Vietnam is trying hard to enter the final third of Indonesia’s defense. Their efforts through long balls are often easily broken by Indonesian defenders. Indonesia almost conceded in the 81st minute. Dau Ngoc Thanh cheated on the ball from the cross, but the ball still hit the goalpost. A minute later Dau Ngoc Thanh threatened again. From close range, the number 16 player fired a shot, but Ernando was able to keep the ball away. There were no additional goals until the second half ended. Both teams are sent home with 1-1 in the scoreline.
Adrian Limanto
ASL
