AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 matchday three recap
The group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 reaches it midpoint with several teams looking to solidify their hold of semifinal seeds. Here is our short recap of the matches that happened on matchday three.
Vietnam mauls Malaysia in final rematch
There is a three-way logjam at the top of Group B as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia are all square with six points apiece.
The rematch of the 2018 final saw holders Vietnam deal Malaysia the latter’s first defeat with a masterful 3-0 conquest.
Park Hang-seo’s Những Chiến Binh Sao Vàng had a spectacular stretch in the first half, Nguyễn Quang Hải playing a prominent role in their 2-0 advantage at the break. He fired the opener at the 32nd minute, and then set up the second one four minutes later for Nguyễn Công Phượng.
Nguyễn Hoàng Đức added a third a minute before full time, making a low shot just outside the box.
Malaysia fell to third place.
Indonesia jump to top spot
Indonesia pummeled Laos, 5-1, to take the upper hand on Group B due to having the best quotient.
Five different players were on the scoresheet for coach Shin Tae-yong. They turned up the heat at the restart to pull away for their second straight win.
Asnawi Mangkualam pocketed home a 23rd-minute spot kick to open the scoring. 11 minutes later, Irfan Jaya tapped one in to make it 2-0.
Kydavone Souvanny halved the deficit with a sublime strike on the counter at the 41st.
Jaya turned provider for Witan Sulaiman’s left-foot to make it 3-1 at the 56th minute. Ezra Walian and Evan Dimas put the finishing touches in their one-sided affair that was reminiscent of their rout against the Laotians by the same scoreline seven years ago.
Laos is now eliminated from vying for a playoff spot.
Philippines wins big against Timor-Leste
The Philippines notched its win in competition proper by downing Timor Leste 7-0.
Seven different Azkals were on the board in a showing that surpassed their 4-0 rout of Indonesia back in 2014.
Coincidentally, Martin Steuble, the first goalscorer in this match, also scored from seven years ago. He rocketed past Aderito at the 21st minute.
Then, Amin Nazari found the back of the net for the second consecutive game ten minutes later. This was followed by goals from veterans Ángel Guirado and Patrick Reichelt.
With three points already in the bag, tournament rookies Jesper Nyholm and Bienvenido Marañón added two more right before halftime. Kevin Ingreso then delivered the final blow with a definite left-footed strike at the 78th minute.
Teerasil Dangda ties record in Thai victory
Regional legend Teerasil Dangda further solidified his claim to that distinction, leading the way in the sinking of Myanmar, 4-0.
After drawing first blood midway of the first half, the 33-year old striker then scored from the spot at the 53rd minute to equal Noh Alam Shah’s all-time record in the competition with 17 goals.
Thailand added two more for the final score with substitutes Worachit Kanitsribumphen and Supachok Sarachart finding the net.