VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam were forced to a 2-2 draw against Indonesia, although they took a 2-0 lead in the early minutes of their friendly match yesterday (Oct 9) in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia.

Le Van Thang scores an opener in Viet Nam’s 2-2 draw with hosts Indonesia in a friendly on October 9 in Yogyakarta City. — Photo bongdathanhhoa.com

It was a first meet for the two coaches, who were player and coach of Viet Nam 18 years ago.

At the Tiger Cup (former name of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup) in 1998, now Viet Nam head coach Nguyen Huu Thang was the captain of Viet Nam, while Indonesian manager Alfred Riedl was the head coach.

Despite visitors, Vietnamese players were confident to begin their second friendly within four days.

They quickly set up their lead just four minutes into the game.

Le Van Thang, who is Viet Nam’s premier league’s best local striker, scored a opener from a long distance.

An Indonesian defender kicked the ball away, but it went to Thang, who managed the ball and made an outstanding 30m shot, which left all of the Indonesian defence behind to enter the net. Goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa dived to his left to save, but it was out of his reach.

Nearly 10 minutes later the score was 2-0 for the visiting side.

From a counter-attack in the left wing, midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang brought a smart pass to the right to Vu Minh Tuan, whose close finish touched keeper Ardhiyasa’s leg before going into the net.

After two goals, Viet Nam tried to continue their counter-attack, but failed to maintain their lead.

Vietnamese goalie Tran Nguyen Manh suffered two goal losses within two minutes from the 26th to 28th, partly due to mistakes by the defenders.

As usual, the defence line was always Viet Nam’s weak point in most tournaments.

The hosts were given a free kick and Zunham Zamrun made a perfect shot to Manh’s high right corner, narrowing the score to 1-2.

Meanwhile, Irfan Bachdim punished Viet Nam, who had set loose their focus in seconds, with a finish from a narrow angle.

The second half was strongly affected by a heavy rain, which prevented players of both sides from scoring.

Viet Nam will return and stay in HCM City for several days before they begin their two-week training course in South Korea starting on October 15.

Viet Nam will meet Indonesia again in their second-leg friendly match on November 8 at My Dinh Stadium in Ha Noi.

Viet Nam and Indonesia are to take part in the AFF Cup next month.

Source: VNS