Vietnam beat Indonesia 3-0 to claim historic SEA Games gold medal
ABO/NDO – Vietnam finished off Indonesia with three unanswered goal in the title match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on December 10 to clinch their first-ever men’s football gold medal at the SEA Games arena.
The Vietnamese players celebrate their SEA Games title by throwing coach Park Hang-seo up in the air |
A brace by Doan Van Hau and a goal by Do Hung Dung secured a convincing victory for Park Hang-seo’s side and quenched the Vietnamese team’s 60-year thirst for the SEA Games championship title.
Indonesia dominated ball possession in the first 15 minutes and poured huge pressure on Vietnam’s goal.
Indra Sjafri’s side threatened to open the scoring after five minutes, with forward Zulfiandi firing a powerful strike from close range, only to see his attempt brilliantly parried by Vietnam keeper Van Toan.
In the following minutes, Vietnam began to reclaim control and successfully set the pace of the game.
Van Hau put Vietnam ahead in the 38th minute with a powerful close-range header from Hung Dung’s left-wing cross.
Inspired by the opener, Park’s troops played more confidently and needed only 14 minutes into the second half to find the back of the net for the second time. From the edge of the box, captain Hung Dung placed a low ball at the far corner, leaving no chance for keeper Nadeo to make a block.
With time running out, Indonesia put up pressure seeking to pull back a goal; however, they could not break through Vietnam’s solid defence.
Hardly had Sjafri’s side realised their ambition when they were forced to concede a third goal in the 73rd minute. Keeper Nadeo brilliantly parried Hoang Duc’s right-wing free-kick but failed to prevent Van Hau from slotting in on a rebound to put the game to bed.
With their 3-0 victory, Vietnam U22s delivered a perfect end to their SEA Games campaign, clinching the gold medal for the first time in history with an amazing unbeaten run throughout the tournament (six wins and one draw).
(Source: NDO)