Indonesian newspapers gloat as Vietnam, Thailand eliminated
The Indonesians were delighted to see Vietnam and Thailand miss out on tickets for the finals in Malaysia and Laos. In newspapers and social networks, Indonesians gloat. Articles on websites such as Tribun News, Bolasport, Sindo News, 1News, Detik, Suara, Okezone, Sportstar, NBC News, Viva or Bola all use the word "retribution".
Among them, Tribun News, Suara and Detik are the top five most visited newspapers in Indonesia, according to the June 2022 statistics of Similarweb. Suara's headline was: "Retribution, Vietnam and Thailand both missed the final date", and Detik quoted the reaction on social networks in the article: "Vietnam and Thailand became laughingstock because of Retribution". There is an article in Tribun News: "Thailand was conquered by Laos and Vietnam was defeated by Malaysia. Indonesian fans are very grateful".
Vietnam lost 3-0 to Malaysia yesterday, while Thailand lost 2-0 to Laos, albeit initially more admired. This delighted the Indonesians, as Vietnam and Thailand drew 1-1 in the final round of Group A, which just knocked the hosts out. In the last 10-plus minutes of that game, the Vietnamese and Thai players only played moderately and had no intention of scoring more goals. Indonesian fans believe that the two teams lack fair play. The Indonesian Football Association even said that it would send a petition to the AFC to investigate the attitudes of the two opponents.
In addition to criticizing Vietnam and Thailand, Indonesian websites also praise the performance of Malaysia and Laos. Tribun News believes that the secret of Laos' defeat of Thailand is the five-man defense of German coach Michael Weiss. Journalist Deivor Ismanto wrote on Tribun News: "Laos is well organized and the distance of the team is good. They know when to play fast and when to play slowly."
Indonesia's Kompas, the second most visited newspaper, also has a song praising Malaysia. There, journalist Halaman Selanjutnya wrote: "It is no coincidence that Malaysia is the only team that has reached the Southeast Asian U19 finals in the last four seasons. In fact, Malaysia had more possession in the first half of the game in Vietnam. They just defended. In the second half when they took the lead".
After a series of semi-finals, Malaysian coach Hassan Sazali said: "I understand Vietnam's strength, so Malaysia must defend and fight back. Today we have limited mistakes." Laos coach Michael Weiss commented that Thailand was unlucky.
The final will be held on July 15, between Malaysia, which has reached the final four times in a row, and Laos-the first team in the round. A few hours ago, Thailand and Vietnam will reunite in the third place competition.
