"Both teams tried their best, which made the game a really good one. Indonesia were a bit luckier and won," Shin said after the match in Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Indonesia pressed on Vietnam right from the start of the game and held dominance in the first 25 minutes.
Just when Vietnam gradually gained possession, Indonesia got the chance for the opening goal. Nguyen Thanh Binh pulled the shirt of Rafael Struick inside the box in the 40th minute and referee Sadullo Gulmurodi pointed at the spot. Asanwi Mangkualam made no mistake and converted the penalty to get Indonesia ahead.
Coach Shin Tae-yong reacts after Indonesia's opening goal against Vietnam in their Asian Cup group stage game on Jan. 19, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
Vietnam made some substitutions and many efforts against Indonesia's goal in the second half but could not change the scoreboard.
Friday victory, which was Shin's first against Vietnam in nearly four years managing Indonesia football team, keeps Indonesia's dream of advancing in this Asian Cup alive.
They will play their last group stage game against Japan on Jan. 24. A draw will send them to the round of 16 as one of four best third-placed teams.