Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Indonesia v Thailand 2-1
Thailand were sent crashing out of the AFF Cup at the group stage for the first time since when?
Surprisingly, given that Indonesia had already qualified for the semi final, coach Alfred Riedl only made three changes, bringing in M Roby at the back and Eka Ramdani and while Bryan Robson made four changes including, perhaps surprisingly dropping top scorer Surayoot and bringing in Kirati.
Fairly even stevens first half with the Thais perhaps edging possession but this Indonesia is a new, resilient beast showing a maturity and discipline not seen round these parts for a long time.
Thailand claimed a penalty first half but, not that anyone gives a crap, from where I was standing, and we had to stand in the aisles because all the seats where I was were taken (sometimes by security officials) it wasn't.
Second half and the Thais grew more relentless in their pressure, perhaps spurred by the news that Malaysia were beating Lao 2-1 in Palembang and Suree finally gave them the lead on 75. As it stood the Thais were through no matter what the Malaysians did.
Two late penalties, converted by substitute Bambang Pamungkas, dashed Thai hopes and animated their bench with Teerathep Winothai showing more passion and emotion berating the fourth official than he did against Lao in the first game. Panupong was unfortunate to get a red after the ball struck his arm in the run up to the second penalty
Thailand were defeated as much by that familiar failing of not being able to turn their possession into goals as fatigue over a long season and lack of preparation time. Plenty of silky football but powder puff in front of goal.
Indonesia crossed a rubicon with this victory. The Thais had long held a hex over ASEAN's largest nation but this performance had coach and fans purring. It wasn't that long ago that going 1-0 would have been the end of the game, especially against a team like Thailand but no more. Now, going into the semi finals Indonesia will fear no one
# posted by Me @ 5:45 AM 
