U22 Vietnam lost to U22 Indonesia in the semi-finals of SEA Games 32

Dinh Xuan Tien made his mark when he put pressure on the opposing central defender, contributing to the equalizer 2-2 for U22 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

At the end of the group stage of SEA Games 32, U22 Vietnam ranked 2nd. Meanwhile, U22 Indonesia has affirmed its strength in Group A by winning all 4 matches. However, if considering the head-to-head record in the last 5 matches, U22 Vietnam is overwhelming with 4 wins. Therefore, Vietnamese fans believe that U22 Vietnam can defeat its opponent in the semi-finals to defend the throne at this SEA Games.

However, with an even force, U22 Indonesia took the initiative to control the game and attacked as soon as the opening whistle blew. The preemptive play of coach Indra Sjafri's students caused many difficulties for the defense of U22 Vietnam.

The opponent's confident start to the match caused the defenders of the Golden Star team to make a mistake in the 10th minute of the match. From a strong throw-in by the U22 Indonesia defender, the U22 Vietnam defense was careless, allowing Komang to comfortably jump high and head the ball past goalkeeper Quang Van Chuan, opening the score for U22 Indonesia.

After receiving a cold shower from their opponents, coach Troussier's team remained calm and reorganized their formation to find a chance to equalize the score. After a series of pressure created in front of Indonesia's goal, in the 35th minute, U22 Vietnam restored the balance of the match.

Le Van Do could not show his inherent qualities in this match. Photo: Hai Hoang

The goal came from a precise pass from his teammate. Van Tung jumped high and made a beautiful header, leaving the U22 Indonesia goalkeeper with no chance to block it.

In the second half, coach Indra Sjafri continued to implement the same tactics as in the first minutes of the match. Indonesia regained their attacking rhythm with fast-paced attacks. This forced the U22 Vietnam team to retreat lower to defend. The inexperience in defense once again made coach Troussier's team pay the price with a goal conceded at the beginning of the second half.

It is worth mentioning that the scenario of the second goal conceded by U22 Vietnam was not much different from the previous goal. Pramata Arhan made a strong throw into the middle of the goal, Van Chuan punched the ball out, to Marcelino's position. This player made a beautiful kick that broke the U22 Vietnam net.

The dramatic situation of the match came in the 60th minute, when Pramata Arhan received a red card after a foul on Duc Phu on the right wing. With one more player, U22 Vietnam completely controlled the game and created many opportunities in front of the opponent's goal.

Van Tung continued to score but could not help U22 Vietnam win. Photo: Hai Hoang

Also during this time, Thanh Nhan had to leave the field due to injury and Dinh Xuan Tien from Song Lam Nghe An was substituted. After coming off the bench, Xuan Tien made his mark by putting pressure on the U22 Indonesia center back, forcing Amiruddin to fumble and score an own goal. The equalizer for U22 Vietnam came in the 79th minute.

With the advantage of more players, it was thought that coach Troussier's team would have a positive result after the semi-final match ended. However, the U22 Vietnam defense continued to make a mistake for the third time and they had to pay the price with a goal conceded in the 90+6 minute. Taufany got the ball in front of the penalty area, this player made a turn to eliminate Huynh Cong Den, then made a tricky shot, raising the score to 3-2 for U22 Indonesia.

The remaining short minutes of the match could not help U22 Vietnam find a chance to equalize, so coach Troussier's team had to accept stopping at the semi-finals of SEA Games 32. Losing to U22 Indonesia shattered the dream of defending the throne of coach Troussier and his team.