SINGAPORE (15 June 2015) – Vietnam won the bronze medal at the SEA Games this year when they whitewashed Indonesia 5-0 in the fight for third and fourth placing this afternoon at the National Stadium.
The Indonesians, who were still reeling from their loss to defending champions Thailand in the semi-finals, two days ago were all out of sorts as they failed to fend off the onslaught from Toshiya Miura’s men.
“Obviously the loss in the semi-finals prodded the players into action and they delivered today,” said Miura.
Just ten minutes into the tie and Vietnam were already a goal up when referee Khamis Muhammad Al-Kuwari of Qatar faulted Indonesian defender Hasnamu Pranata for a handball.
Mac Hong Quan did not disappoint as he sent Indonesian keeper Teguh Amiruddin the wrong way.
In the 21st minute, Vo Huy Toan then doubled the advantage with a superb run from the left before unleashing a left-footed drive to beat Teguh for the second time.
With Indonesia still unable to get things right in the middle of the park, Nguyen Cong Phuong showed just he is Vietnam’s latest hot property with two well-delivered passes for Huy Toan and then Nguyen Huu Dung to finish things off in the 41st and then 45th minute.
Four goals in front, Vietnam stepped off the gas somewhat as they remained confident that the match is theirs for the taking. In the 71st minute, Vietnam made sure that there was no possible fight back from Indonesia when captain Que Ngoc Hai slammed home the corner.
“I will take responsibility for this heavy defeat,” said Indonesian coach Aji Santoso after the match.
“The players tried their best. That is all they can do.”
RESULT – 15 June 2015
Third and Fourth Placing
Vietnam 5 Indonesia 0
