Like the convincing 3-0 victory over last edition’s finalists Malaysia in the previous match, Vietnam overwhelmed their Indonesian rivals at Bishan Stadium, but failed to find the net as Indonesia played defensive most of the time.
After two consecutive victories, Vietnam needs another win against group leaders Indonesia, who have also collected the full 6 points after two games, in order to earn a direct ticket to the semi-finals, regardless of their final group game against Cambodia on Sunday.
However, after losing all four matches against Vietnam, including those at the 2019 SEA Games and World Cup qualifiers, this time Indonesia forced coach Park Hang-seo's side to share points.
Indonesia will still stay atop the group with 7 points after three games, on par with second-placed Vietnam, but they have to face Malaysia, who also have six points, in the last game to advance.
Before the mouth-watering clash with Vietnam, Team Garuda suffered a huge loss as they were without the service of key midfielder Elkan Baggott. The UK-based player had to be isolated as a COVID-19 infection was found on his flight to Singapore.
That was the reason for Indonesia to sit deep right from the start to defend against the defending champions, who were on a high streak after trouncing Malaysia 3-0, three days earlier.
Indonesia did not hesitate to make hard tackles, Vietnam found it difficult to break through the thick defence of their opponents.
The clearest chance for the defending champions to break the deadlock in the first half was in the 20th minute, as Tuan Anh fired a long-range finish to send the ball over the bar.
Ten minutes later, Cong Phuong missed out on a chance to score the opener when Hoang Anh Gia Lai striker sent the ball inches wide off the post.
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Vietnamese player Vu Van Thanh (No. 17) in action during a Group B match of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup against Indonesia on December 15, 2021. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
The second half was almost the same as in the first 45 minutes, as Vietnam earned the lion share in ball possession but failed to crack through the thick defensive line of Indonesia.
Coach Park put two strikers in the field in the midway of the second half, but chances after chances were missed as the Golden Dragons lacked a bit of accuracy, forcing them to drop points for the first time in their title defending campaign.
Earlier in the other Group B match, Cambodia earned their first win at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup as they saw off Laos 3-0, thanks to a brace from Chan Vathanaka. For Laos, their campaign ends with a fourth straight defeat and just the lone goal scored.
Vietnam will play Cambodia on Sunday to decide their own ticket to the semis, while Indonesia face a tough task to progress against Malaysia, who also need a win to book their slot in the next round.
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The current rankings in Group B. (Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup)
