The two teams went into halftime level at 0-0, but the second half turned out to be real party for the Vietnamese side. Park Hang-seo’s troops created a bunch of opportunities and converted three of them into goals thanks to Nguyen Tien Linh (54’), Do Hung Dung (74’) and Le Van Do (84’), thus climbing to second in the group, just behind the Philippines, who earlier thrashed Timor Leste 4-0, on goal difference.

Vietnamese players celebrate scoring a goal during the match.

The match, considered a final match of Group A, took place at a lightning pace with both teams fiercely competing for the ball in the midfield, but it was the Vietnamese side who racked up more attempts on goal throughout the first half.

Nguyen Hoang Duc produced the first highlight of the match after 18 minutes, dribbling the ball past three Indonesian players and driving a long-range strike that went closely wide.

Two minutes later, Vietnam missed a golden opportunity to go ahead as Ly Cong Hoang Anh’s pass rolled past keeper Adi Satryo across the goal, but Van Tung could not manage a touch to bring Park Hang-seo’s troops in front.

Tien Linh and Bui Hoang Viet Anh threatened to score several times but goalkeeper Adi Satryo made smart saves to prevent the title holders from going off the mark before halftime.

Captain Do Hung Dung (#16) celebrates after doubling Vietnam's advantage.

Vietnam demonstrated the true power of the reigning champions by pouring tremendous pressure on the Indonesians early in the second half. Their stormy attacks eventually paid off in the 54th minute with Tien Linh slotting it in from close range to open the scoring.

Do Hung Dung doubled Vietnam’s advantage 20 minutes later with a wonderful shot past keeper Adi Satryo in a one-on-one.

Park’s troops were denied by the woodwork twice before Le Van Do added a third goal three minutes from stoppage time to round off a fantastic 3-0 triumph for the home side.

Next up for Vietnam will be a clash against the Philippines on May 8.

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Source: NDO