jpnn.com, SINGAPORE - The Indonesian national soccer team drew 0-0 against Vietnam in the third mathday of Group B of the 2020 AFF Cup at Bishan Stadium, Singapore, Wednesday (15/12) night.
This keeps Indonesia entrenched at the top of the standings thanks to a collection of seven points. Vietnam trailed in second place only to lose a goal.
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In this match, Indonesia fielded a different line-up from the previous two matches against Cambodia and Laos.
Three central defenders were deployed simultaneously with the absence of Elkan Baggott due to having to undergo quarantine.
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Fachruddin Aryanto, Alfeandra Dewangga, and Rizky Ridho had to work hard because they practically survived 80 percent of the Vietnamese attack.
In the 28th minute, Nguyen Quang Hai had a chance with a shot that was aimed at the goal, but the ball still hit the feet of an Indonesian player and so easily saved by Nadeo.
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In the 34th minute, Phan Van Duc got space to open fire. However, his shot still bounced on the body of an Indonesian player. Chong Phuang tried to head the rebound, but Nadeo swiftly caught the ball.
On the other hand, when Indonesia was about to build an attack, the flow of the ball directed at Irfan Jaya, Ezra Walian, and Witan Sulaeman could always be blocked by opposing players.
Until the whistle signaling the first half was over, the score had not changed.
In the second half, Indonesia changed the course of the match.
Evan Dimas came in to replace Rachmat Irianto. This made Indonesia more able to maintain rhythm and occasionally manage attacks.
Unfortunately, one opportunity taken by Ramai Rumakiek made no results because it was overcome by a Vietnamese defender.
The Golden Star, the nickname for the Vietnam national team, also made several substitutions to increase the effectiveness of their attacks.
Sure enough, Vietnam had a fairly mature opportunity through Ha Duc Chinh. Unfortunately, the opportunity failed to bear fruit.
In the 71st minute, Indonesia had a chance to score a goal through Evan Dimas' corner, which created chaos. Rizky Ridho, who managed to control the wild ball, kicked the ball towards the goal, but it hit the leg of a Vietnamese defender.
In the final minutes of the match, there was drama as Vietnam continued to confine Indonesia's defense.
A number of Indonesian players who were struggling to keep the goal from conceding, had experienced cramps. Witan Sulaeman, even had to be replaced because he was seen holding his left thigh.
Due to the many incidents of players being treated, Vietnam benefited from the refereeing. From the three minutes of injury time announced, referee Kim Dae Yong from South Korea gave four minutes of added time.
Practically, the match from the 93rd to the 97th minute went like four hours. Football lovers were made to be nervous, until finally the referee blew the long whistle and the Indonesia vs Vietnam match ended 0-0. (dkk/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Timnas Indonesia Vs Vietnam 0-0: Banyak Drama di Masa Injury Time