jpnn.com, SINGAPORE - The Indonesian national soccer team lost 0-4 to Thailand in the first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup finals at the National Stadium, Singapore, Wednesday (29/12) night.
Indonesia will have to fight extra hard in the second leg which will take place on January 1, 2022. They must win at least by a five-goal margin in order to clean up the game.
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Thailand, according to predictions, locked up the Indonesian defense. When the game had only been running for a few minutes, Thailand immediately threatened the Indonesian goal, but the ball was secured by a Garuda defender.
After that, another attack came against the left side of Indonesia's defense. Thailand's second attack was far more dangerous.
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Starting from the movement of Philip Roller who outwit Rachmat Irianto, the ball was then sent to the middle and kicked easily by Chanathip. Goal! Thailand led 1-0.
Indonesia tried to counterattack. Unfortunately, the efforts were always broken by the opponents.
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The Thai team had another dangerous opportunity through Chanathip. The 28-year-old penetrated and sent the ball to the far post. Luckily, Nadeo was able to block the ball.
In the 15th minute, Indonesia got a freekick. Unfortunately, the opportunity was swept away by Thai players easily.
Thailand, at this point, had dictated Indonesia's game. The pressing they applied was the same as when they beat Vietnam 2-0 in the first leg of the semifinals.
Indonesia was still struggling to get out of pressure until the 30th minute. The stamina of the Thai players never seemed to decrease. Whenever an Indonesian player controlled the ball, Thai players always closed the space for Garuda's players.
In the 36th minute, the Indonesian team finally got a chance through the slick collaboration of Ricky Kambuaya and Asnawi Mangkualam. Unfortunately, Asnawi's kick went wide to the side of the goal.
In the 40th minute, the Garuda squad again had a chance to break into the Thai goal, this time through Alfeandra Dewangga.
Starting with Witan Sulaeman moving on the left side, the ball was sent to the front of the goal. Dewangga who was standing unguarded was unable to kick properly. The ball bounced over the bar.
A slick counter-attack from Thailand was created in the 45th minute. Supachok's individual action ended with Tristan DO's kick. Luckily, the kick was pushed over by Nadeo to safe the Indonesian goal.
Thailand's 0-1 advantage lasted until halftime. Entering the second half, Indonesia actually performed better after including Elkan Baggot, Evan Dimas, and Kadek Agung.
These changes made the Indonesian attack more lively. The team made several opportunities, but Thailand's tight defense made the Garuda squad's chances ended in vain.
The quick counter-attack built by the Thai team in the 52nd minute made Indonesian players lose their track. Supachok's movement that split the Indonesian defense was completed by Chanathip's goal. Indonesia was now two goals behind Thailand.
The Thai team made another attack in the 67th minute. This time, it was Supachok Sarachat who listed his name on the scoreboard.
While the Thai players appeared more confident, Indonesia often missed the bait and could not maximize two opportunities created by Irfan Jaya and Witan Sulaeman.
Egy Maulana Vikri, who played in the second half, did not make any difference to Indonesia's attack. Evidently, the Thai players could read the game pattern of the Garuda squad.
Indonesia's game was getting tougher after Thailand added new players to maintain stamina and stability of the game.
Sure enough, in the 83rd minute, the changes made by Thailand coach Alexandre Polking paid off. Bordin Pala broke into Garuda's goal after taking advantage of Worachit Kanitsribumphen's assist. Indonesia was now 0-4 behind Thailand.
Until the long whistle sounded, there were no additional goals.
Indonesia still has chance to win the 2020 AFF Cup by sweeping the second leg that will be held on January 1. (dkk/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Indonesia vs Thailand 0-4: Garuda Babak Belur Diinjak Gajah Perang