jpnn.com, SINGAPORE - The Indonesian national soccer team beat Malaysia with a score of 4-1 in the match determining Group B of the 2020 AFF Cup at the National Stadium, Singapore, Sunday (19/12) evening.
Substitute Elkan Baggott finally managed to make his debut goal for Indonesia. The defender from English League Club Ipswich Town added to Indonesia's advantage, from 3-1 to 4-1, in the 82nd minute.
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With the open style of play displayed by the two teams, attack after attack was launched alternately.
Malaysia, which was initially under pressure, was able to surprise with a goal produced by Kogileswaran Raj in the 13th minute. The goal started with Irfan Jaya sweeping the ball imperfectly from inside the penalty box.
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Irfan's sweeping ball then landed on Kogileswaran's foot. He dribbled, before releasing a fast kick from outside the penalty box. Nadeo Arga Winata's goal was finally broken. Indonesia was 0-1 behind Malaysia.
After trailing behind by one goal, Indonesia pressed Malaysia's defense more intensely. The first opportunity came from Ezra Walian after getting a pass from Irfan. Unfortunately, Ezra couldn't show the instinct to score a goal, instead he passed the ball.
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Ezra wasted another chance when Witan Sulaeman managed to penetrate into the penalty box. Up to this point, Indonesia was still struggling to equalize the score.
Irfan didn't get involved in mistakes. He worked hard and kept running for space, and the opportunity finally came in the 36th minute. Utilizing an assist from Witan, Irfan immediately kicked the ball into a goal. The score was even 1-1.
After the position returned to the same level, the game of the two teams did not change. The tempo of the game was still going fast. Indonesia seemed to be in control of the game and was increasingly motivated to lead.
The Indonesian team's efforts turned ahead in the 44th minute, starting with an individual performance of Pratama Arhan, who successfully tricked three Malaysian players.
The left back squad then sent the ball into the front, which was successfully grabbed by Irfan. Goal! Indonesia turned 2-1 ahead.
Although superior, Indonesia did not relax the pressure. They continued to attack the Malaysian defense. However, until the interval, the score did not change. Indonesia won 2-1 over Malaysia in the first round.
In the second half, Indonesia strengthened its defense by including Elkan, who replaced left winger Ramai Rumakiek. This indicated that Indonesia increasingly relied on counterattacks.
After this change, Malaysia did look more aggressive. However, the Indonesian defense line was calm in anticipating the attack. With a slowly built attack, Indonesia was able to make the opponent's defense topsy-turvy.
With a collaboration on the left side, the ball was sent into the middle and controlled by Arhan. Despite opposing players attempting to slide, Arhan was able to calmly kick the ball that penetrated Che Mat's goal. Indonesia led 3-1 in the 50th minute.
After being far behind and having difficulty breaking down the Garuda squad's defense, the tension became higher.
In fact, the game became rough. Irfan, Witan, and Kushedya Hari Yudo were knocked down many times by opposing players. It seemed that Indonesian players were just waiting up to this point.
Indonesia took the lead even further after being able to take advantage of a corner kick. Evan Dimas, who was the kicker, sent a sweet spoiled ball to Elkan, who was then able to head it perfectly. With 4-1, Indonesia beat Malaysia. (dkk/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Indonesia Bungkam Malaysia 4-1, Elkan Baggott Bikin Gol