Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam took the spotlight on January 6 in the semi-final first leg of the AFF Cup 2022 between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Vietnam's attacking midfielder Phan Van Duc (white, 20) chases the ball during the semi-final first leg of AFF Cup 2022 between Vietnam and Indonesia on January 6. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam entered the semi-final of the AFF Cup 2022 with conceding no goals in the group stage and scoring 12 goals.

In the semi-final first leg, Vietnam was the away team and they were considered slightly stronger than the home team Indonesia.

Both teams were cautious as they wanted to secure the net before thinking of any attacking moves.

In the first 10 minutes of the match, Indonesia gave away the control of the game to Vietnam and tried to explore counter-attack chances.

In a hot, sunny afternoon, Vietnam’s attacking moves were easily broken down by the efforts of Indonesian players.

Vietnam’s three central midfielders – Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Do Hung Dung – were unable to control the game and continuously gave away their possession easily.

The home team had seven goal attempts in the first half, including two clear-cut chances, but Vietnam’s goalkeeper Dang Van Lam reflexed brilliantly to save the attempts.

Realizing the weakness at the defensive line, Vietnam tightened the game in the second half. Indonesia hardly had any clear opportunities for the rest of the game.

Another highlight of the match was the two-foot tackle by Vietnam’s left wingback Doan Van Hau against Indonesian right winger Dendy Sulistyawan.

Both teams’ players seemed to lose control during this event. Hau was then spared and received a warning.

“Away match is always difficult but Vietnamese players performed well today,” said Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-Seo at the post-match press conference.

A draw had been expected, coach Park said as he was pleased with the goalless draw as his players faced difficulties in traveling and playing away.

In response, Indonesia’s head coach Shin Tae-yong told the press it was a good performance from his team, and regretted that Indonesia failed to score in the game.

“We will be well-prepared to get the best result in the second leg in Hanoi,” coach Shin said.

The goalless draw means both teams still have the chance to qualify for the final. The second leg will take place on January 9 at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.