jpnn.com, SINGAPORE - The Indonesian national soccer team temporarily won 1-0 over Singapore in the first round of the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals held at the National Stadium, Wednesday (22/12) evening, with Witan Sulaeman making the only score.
The Garuda squad fielded a different line-up compared to the previous matches. Three central defenders were deployed simultaneously.
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Ezra Walian, who used to fill the front position, was replaced by Dedik Setiawan.
This strategy seemed to work quite extraordinary. Indonesia, which had been predicted to play defensively, turned out to launch many attacks with long shots from the wings to create opportunities.
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While the Singaporean players strengthened their defense on the wings, the Indonesian players were able to change the flow and played short with tight spaces between players in the middle.
Singapore, who was confident in attacking, then looked confused because Indonesia was able to close the space when an attack occurred.
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As a result, Singapore easily lost the ball and Indonesia was able to build a quick counter-attack.
Indonesia finally opened the scoring at minute 28' through Witan's kick from the penalty box.
The ball was brought by Asnawi Mangkualam combing the right wing. He continued to penetrate the penalty box.
Seeing Witan standing free, the cut back ball was sent and Witan immediately launched it through the Singapore goal. Indonesia led 1-0.
Left behind by one goal, Singapore tried to attack. However, several opportunities produced by The Lions could not penetrate the slick goalkeeper Nadeo.
Indonesia almost doubled their lead through Irfan Jaya in minute 33'. Unfortunately, his kick was not strong enough.
Singapore, which had difficulty penetrating Indonesia's defense, began to play hard.
Rachmat Irianto was in pain, and Pratama Arhan fell down. Witan was also hit by Singapore's hard game.
Indonesian players were provoked because Arhan got a yellow card.
Until the first half was over, the score did not change and Indonesia temporarily won 1-0. (dkk/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Babak Pertama Timnas Indonesia Vs Singapura 1-0, Witan Bawa Garuda Unggul