jpnn.com, SINGAPORE - The Thai national soccer team won the 2020 AFF Cup after a 2-2 draw with Indonesia in the second leg of the finals at the National Stadium, Singapore, Saturday (1/1) night.
The Indonesian Garuda squad lost 2-6 on aggregate.
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This final result did not meet the expectations of the Indonesian fans, considering the Garuda squad played quite well at the beginning.
Indonesia immediately kicked off, appearing calmer but directly oriented to the penalty box.
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A quick attack from Ramai Rumakiek on the right side of the Thai defense made the gap open. Ramai rolled the ball, which was forwarded to Kambuaya. The force of his kick kept the ball sliding towards the goal. In the 7th minute, Indonesia was leading with a score of 1-0.
It made the Garuda squad more insistent on pursuing additional goals. An opportunity was generated by Ramai in the 21st minute, but his shot went sideway.
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The touch between Indonesian players looked neat and made it difficult for Thailand. Unfortunately, despite repeatedly getting opportunities, Indonesia failed to score an additional goal.
Thailand had a golden opportunity made by Teerasil Dangdut in the 45th minute, but the ball soared over the Indonesian goalpost.
Entering the second half, the Indonesian team did not make any substitutions. The Garuda squad maintains the composition of players to guard the attack line.
Unfortunately, the strategy was read by the opponents, and the attacks built by Egy Maulana Vikri, Witan Sulaeman, and Dedik were easily broken.
This made Thailand more dominant and aggressive to catch up.
Bordin Phala rolled the ball and released a kick. Nadeo Argawinata managed to ward off the ball, but the rebound was directly hit by Adisak Kraisorn. In the 54th minute, the score turned 1-1.
This made the mentality of Indonesian players faltered. As a result, Thailand easily scored their second goal through Sarach Yooyen's kick in the 56th minute. Indonesia was now trailing 1-2 behind Thailand.
Trying to catch up, several changes were made by Indonesian coach Shin Tae Yong. The efforts paid off in the 80th minute. The collaboration between Witan Sulaeman and Egy Maulana Vikri resulted in a goal. The score was now 2-2.
The score did not change until the long whistle sounded. Indonesia lost to Thailand and was runner-up in the 2020 AFF Cup.
With this victory, Thailand has gained six AFF wins. In contrast, Indonesia has been defeated six times. (dkk/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Imbang Lawan Indonesia, Thailand Juara Piala AFF 2020