AsianCup2023 | Group D : Vietnam 0 - 1 Indonesia

Vietnam and Indonesia are both still on the hunt for their first points in Group D, having both lost on the opening day of action. The Golden Star Warriors are undefeated against Indonesia in the last four meetings between the two sides. But Philippe Trussier's side know that there will be nothing easy about taking on an Indonesian team who put together a courageous display against Iraq, despite losing 3-1 in the end. The Golden Warriors make two changes to the team that lost to Japan on Matchday 1, with Nguyen Van Thun replacing Nguyen Dinh Bac in attack, and Nguyen Quang Hai starting on the wing at the expense of Ho Dong Hung. Shin Tae Yong's team, Garuda, also make two changes, as Sandy Walsh replaces Rizky Rideau in central defence, and Egi Maulana Vickrey comes in for Elkham Bagot. Co-scorer Marcelino Ferdinand and youngster Raphael Struik both start as expected. And the 20-year-old was in the limelight in the first minute of the game. The first chance falling to Struik, but Nguyen Philippe able to make the save. It was all Indonesia in the opening stages. Eighth minute, and again Struik on the spin, and very nearly finds the top right corner, just couldn't get quite enough pearl on it. But great technique to create the space in the first place. 37th minute now, Indonesia really pushing for an opening goal, and getting closer and closer with each opportunity. Sandy Walsh with the header, and again Nguyen Philippe in goal, there to keep Indonesia out. 39th minute, traffic heading in one direction and one direction only. Raphael Struik again involved, this time brought down in the box, and the referee pointing to the spot. Nguyen Tan Bin with a handful of Raphael Struik's shirts. Right under the nose of the referee as well. An upward step as Nawi Mankualan, the captain, finding the back of the net. A massive goal for Indonesia, only his second international goal for his country. And what a time to come up with the goods. Before the half-time whistle, Indonesia with a chance to make it two. Just wide, again Struik involved, great delivery from Justin Hudner to pick him out of the header. Inches wide, a slender 1-0 lead for Indonesia heading into the second half. A half where Vietnam would then come to life. Kuat Van Kang, a half-time substitute, would make an instant impact, calling Anando Ardek into action straight away in the 48th minute, and would follow it up with an even better opportunity just a few minutes later. This time into the side netting. An inspired substitution from Trusiai. Vietnam unable to take advantage of two early chances. 54th minute now as they kept hunting for an equaliser, and that the best chance of the bunch. Vo Min Trong with a really nice delivery. Nguyen Tuan An at full stretch puts it up and over the... Indonesia spent the majority of the second half defending their lead rather than creating goal scoring opportunities. They did have one though in the 89th. Marcelino Ferdinand dragging his effort wide. He'd be involved in injury time as well as things went from bad to worse for Vietnam. Le Phan Thanh Long bringing down Ferdinand, and that would be his second yellow card, and he would be given his marching orders. Vietnam knocked down and out the 11th minute of injury time, and very nearly the equaliser. Vu Van Tan denied by Hernando Ari. And Indonesia hold on to secure a famous victory and go level on points with Japan, who they play on the final match day in Group D to see who can claim automatic qualification for the knockout stages. Vietnam's journey isn't over just yet, but they will need to beat Iraq if they stand any chance of going through.