AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Semifinals: Indonesia Takes 1-0 Lead over Philippines in First Leg

Article first published as AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 Semifinals: Indonesia Takes 1-0 Lead over Philippines in First Leg on Technorati.


Indonesia’s Uruguayan-born striker Christian Gonzalez took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Philippines to give Indonesia a narrow 1-0 lead going into the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals.

Gonzalez successfully headed a goal after a sublime cross from teammate Firman Utina in the 32nd minute. Fulham and Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge miscalculated the pass and mixed up with his defender Ray Jonsson, paving the way for Gonzalez to seize the opening and score the winning goal.

Favorites to win the tournament after going unbeaten in the group stages, Indonesia only needs a draw in the second leg to secure their entry to final. The Philippines remain winless against Indonesia after 18 head-to-head matches.

The Philippines, the surprise entry in this tournament’s knockout stages, displayed some form of brilliance on the pitch despite the intimidating atmosphere inside the 70,000-capacity Bung Karno Main Stadium. They nearly equalized in the second half after James Younghusband shot a bicycle kick on an empty goal only to be blocked by a rushing Zulkifli Syukur in the final moment.

Despite the win, the Indonesian side remains cautiously confident of their chances against the Filipinos as their semifinal draw moves toward the second leg this weekend. “They are not the same Philippines team as before when everybody thought that we could easily win against them without much of a struggle,” said Indonesian assistant coach Wolfgang Pikal speaking to the AFFSuzukiCup.com.