Team Garuda Indonesia has shown signs of revival after suffering heavy defeats against Iraq and Thailand. Thanks to an abundance of European-born naturalised players, Team Garuda Indonesia now appears rejuvenated.
Indonesia took and doubled their lead in the ninth minute as Thom Haye’s corner met Jay Idzes who powered his header past Filip Nguyen for an unforgettable goal.
1. Vietnam vs Philippines
Vietnam and Indonesia will face off in one of two Group F matches at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday in an encounter that could prove pivotal in whether either side advances to the next round of World Cup qualifiers. The outcome could make or break their chances.
First half saw both teams vying for possession but neither able to capitalize on numerous chances they had for scoring, though both had multiple opportunities to do so. Things changed significantly when mistakes by the home side led directly to an early two-goal advantage for their visitors in the second half.
Veteran midfielder Nguyen Tien Linh scored twice in the final ten minutes to give Vietnam an improbable last-minute 3-2 win. First he headed in a left-wing cross from Nguyen Van Thanh before tapping in a rebound off Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge’s save and tapping it in.
Vietnam recorded their first victory in three games and made significant strides toward playoff qualification with this win, which also marked an end of Philippe Troussier’s one-year tenure and will allow them to search for his successor to take over in June. Troussier had an underwhelming track record as national team manager – winning only one match out of 10, yet still taking great pride in thanking players, clubs and VFF for their efforts and contributions before offering his apology for not meeting expectations.
2. Indonesia vs Iraq
Indonesia can secure their place in World Cup qualifying with a win against Iraq, as only the top two teams from each group will advance to Paris for round 3.
Indonesia will look to build on their win against Vietnam last week, in which they recorded a 2-1 win at Hanoi. Unlike Vietnam who are handicapped by an understrength squad, most Indonesian players compete in their domestic league and possess plenty of international experience – captain Asnawi Mangkualam should lead from the front, with goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata likely being protected by Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama Rizky Ridho and Elkan Baggott as back-ups.
Iraq will need a victory to ensure they qualify for the final round of World Cup qualifiers and reach France next year. After suffering through an unsuccessful first window with just one point from eight games, they need to finish in the top two in their group to guarantee qualification – something Indonesia will hope they are capable of doing against Iraq after they lost to South Korea 3-0 in their opening match of this phase of qualifying matches.
3. Vietnam vs Philippines
Vietnam managed to secure an important victory against Indonesia at My Dinh National Stadium. Philippe Troussier led Vietnam well during their early matches but defensive errors allowed Jay Idzes and Ragnar Oratmangoen of Indonesia to score two goals before stoppage time, when Ramadhan Sananta sealed it with his tap-in for Vietnam.
Nguyen Tien Linh opened Vietnam’s account in the 16th minute with a fantastic finish from open play at the edge of the box. Philippines attempted to respond, but were unable to break through Vietnam’s strong defence.
Game was heading toward a draw until Phan Tuan Tai’s outstanding cross found Nguyen Tien Linh at the back post to head home his second goal of the match from Phan Tuan Tai’s cross, to give Vietnam their only lead of 3-2. Nguyen Tuan Anh’s powerful shot forced Etheridge into parrying it, leading Pham Tuan Hai to capitalise and give Vietnam an advantage that proved decisive in their favour.
Shin Tae-yong’s team will take confidence from their win into their match with Iraq, hoping that it can advance them further than they can with just a victory by an overwhelming margin against Blue Samurai.
4. Indonesia vs Iraq
Indonesia and Iraq enter their encounter with differing expectations for this tournament, one with experience at Asian Cup tournaments hoping for top two finishes while the latter hoping for their maiden victory of World Cup qualifying campaign.
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium will host this matchup. Indonesia have suffered defeat twice to Iraq so far but are still competing for top position in Group F; should they emerge victorious, the winner will face Australia on the last day to keep their chances alive.
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s opening goal via penalty shot. Had Jordi Amat not been sent off for an aggressive foul against Amyn, Hussein might have netted another goal before Ali Jasim scored his. With their numerical advantage, Iraq were able to press forward and increase their lead with another score from Ali Jasim.
Vietnam suffered a setback in their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, needing three wins out of their final six matches to qualify. Furthermore, Nguyen Quang Hai remains injured and cannot travel with his team; nonetheless Vietnam will strive to keep pace and avoid further ground being lost against Indonesia and Iraq.
