TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 5-1 win against Laos in the last Group A 2014 AFF Cup qualifier is not enough to boost Indonesian national football team into the semifinal as Thailand also won 3-1 over Philippines in the other match.
Indonesian team coach Alfred Riedl made several changes in his strategy by playing former U-19 captain Evan Dimas since the beginning of the game. First-choice keeper Kurnia Meiga was also substituted with I Made Wirawan. The strategy was proven sharp enough to break Laos defense. Even after a red card given to defender Supardi in the 28th minute, the Garuda team was still leading.
Indonesia’s four goals were attributed to Evan (8th minute), Ramdhani (two goals, 20th and 50th minute), Zulham Zamrun (82nd). An own goal by Laos’ Souksavanh added one more winning goal for Indonesia in the 89th minute.
RINA WIDIASTUTI
