>>> Cong Phuong strikes once as Vietnam dismantle Philippines
Entering the fourth match at the 29th SEA Games, Vietnam U22 temporarily led their group with nine points after three games. If they had won the three points against Indonesia U22, Coach Huu Thang’s players would have officially qualified for the semi-finals with a game in hand.
With Xuan Truong and Van Hau back after their absence in the previous match, Vietnam U22 had their strongest squad and right from the start Vietnam actively pushed forward at speed but Indonesia U22’s solid defence proved difficult to break down for the men in red-shirts.
Like in their previous match, Vietnam continued to focus their attacks down the right wing to make use of the speed and ingenuity of Van Thanh and Van Toan. The duo provided many dangerous attacking opportunities for Vietnam U22. In just the first 30 minutes, Huu Thang’s players forced eight corner kicks.
Van Toan delivered a good ball from the right wing in the 26th minute, but unfortunately Tuan Tai failed to find the net. Next, it was Van Thanh's turn to threaten Indonesia’s goal, from a very accurate pass by Hong Duy, but the goalkeeper Satria Tama saved superbly to deny a goal for Vietnam.
Vietnam controlled the midfield and had a variety of attacks, but Indonesia U22 played defensive counter attack to keep the score at 0-0 at half time.
The second half continued in the same vein as Indonesia continued to play solid football, while not being afraid to commit fouls in order to limit Vietnam U22’s attacks.
In the 63rd minute, the game changed dramatically in favour of Vietnam U22 as Hanif of Indonesia was sent off as he fouled Tuan Tai, committing his second bookable offence, and receiving a red card.
Taking advantage, Vietnam U22 strengthened their attacks but the red-shirts could not make a difference. Hong Duy and Tuan Tai twice had the ball in the net, in the 71st and 72nd minutes, but both goals were disallowed for offside.
In injury time, Tuan Tai wasted another golden opportunity to score as the striker shot straight at the Indonesian goalkeeper, with the ball deflecting onto the crossbar.
Failing to score, Vietnam U22 had to accept leaving the field with just a point. The 0-0 draw means Coach Huu Thang and his players will face many difficulties in the final match with Thailand. Vietnam U22 must earn at least a point in the next match on Thursday to book a berth in the semi-finals.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Vietnamese female footballers drew 1-1 with Thailand in their third match at SEA Games 2017. Coach Mai Duc Chung’s players will next play hosts Malaysia in their final game on August 24.
At this year's SEA Games, five women's football teams, including hosts Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, will play a round-robin format to select the top three teams to win the event’s medal set.
