Indonesia aim for jugular in World Cup qualifier with Vietnam

Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh (L) had an excellent match distributing and retrieving the ball, despite a dangerous 23rd minute tackle by Pratama Alif.

Tuan Anh, 26, flew straight into the air before hitting the ground in pain due to an injured ankle.

The collision caused some argument between the teams. Tuan Anh was once side-lined for a year due to injuries.

In the 35th minute, he made way for Luong Xuan Truong due to increased pain.

Tuan Anh is considered one of the most talented midfielders in Vietnam right now. However, injuries have limited his contribution to the national team.

Another midfielder, Nguyen Quang Hai, also suffered many dangerous tackles from Indonesia. After the match, the 24-year-old said players were told to keep calm and focus on the target instead of entering a dispute with the opponent.

Indonesia are famous for their fierce, hard-tackling playing style. Vietnam have faced Indonesia 24 times but could only win 25 percent of their meetings.

Vietnam’s main forward Nguyen Tien Linh also had a tough time on the field.

Nguyen Van Toan, the fastest player in the team, could only play the first half after being fouled several times before getting injured. At halftime, he was subbed by Nguyen Cong Phuong.

A total of six yellows were awarded for Indonesia during the match, of which one went to Indonesian head coach Shin Tae-yong for overreacting.

Vietnam came out on top regardless with a 4-0 victory.

The injured Toan had to be carried onto the bus.

Vietnam will lose Tuan Anh and Toan in the next game with Malaysia due to injuries. Hai is suspended for the next game due to a string of yellow cards received during World Cup qualifiers.