“Indonesia’s U-22 National Team Stuns Vietnam in SEA Games 2023 Semifinals: Coach Indra Sjafri Explains the Miracle Behind the Victory”

CNN Indonesia

Sunday, May 14 2023 08:25 WIB

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

Coach U-22 Indonesian National Team Indra Sjafri stated that there was a miracle behind his team’s victory over Vietnam in the semifinal match SEA Games 2023.

The U-22 Indonesian national team went through a difficult match against Vietnam in the fight for the final ticket. Twice leading, twice also Marselino Ferdinan and his friends failed to secure superiority.

The struggle got even harder because Indonesia had to play with 10 players after Pratama Arhan received a second yellow card.

Vietnam’s attacks when the number of players was superior resulted in one goal which made the score a 2-2 draw.

After that Vietnam continued to attack, until then an Indonesian counterattack led to Muhammad Taufany Muslihuddin’s goal in the final minutes of the match.

“It’s a miracle, we can win with 10 players. Tactically, yesterday we prepared, we know Vietnam’s character. It will definitely be sporadic and always attacks. And yesterday we played deep defending with counters, but not with ten players, but eleven players,” said Indra.

“At the end of the half, we were lured to play, rushed forward to attack, we defended and fought back. It’s good that with ten players we can do that. Even though with Cambodia, with eleven players, that tactic didn’t work,” he added.

After advancing to the final, Indra explained that he would carry out the process of recovering the condition of his team that will compete against Thailand on Tuesday (16/5).

“Indeed, Alhamdulillah, thank God we were able to win earlier. We were given the responsibility for the gold medal. We have conveyed this to the children, our schedule for the next three days, on the 16th we will play, we will make a period of preparation for the final,” said Indra .

Apart from Arhan who received a red card, Indra hopes that all players can be played at the top match later.

(nva/jun)