Indonesia radiate spirit of the tournament in win over Hong Kong
I Image: Anita Milas
Indonesia demonstrated their football prowess while radiating the ethos of the tournament as they defeated a spirited Hong Kong side 4-1 on Day 3 of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
Hong Kong’s goalkeeper was called into action almost from the get-go with two saves at point-blank range to deny Indonesia an early lead.
An intricate passing move saw an Indonesia player find space to register a shot on the right-hand side of the box, but, with the goal gaping, the Hong Kong goalkeeper somehow prevented a goal with a miraculous diving save that may go down as save of the tournament.
Indonesia were almost gifted the lead via a goalkeeping error, but their player blasted over from a few yards. Moments later however, Indonesia took the lead after some nice build-up play left a player free to hit a low strike through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Hong Kong almost fashioned a chance for an equalizer, but they fell victim to the referee’s whistle after a player was deemed to control a shot with his chest when in an advanced position near the opposition goal.
|Image: Anita Milas
Soon Indonesia found themselves 2-0 up after a player was given time and space to drill slow shot under the Hong Kong goalkeeper’s legs.
Indonesia showed their defensive qualities with some well-timed tackles to snuff out a couple of Hong Kong attacks, before Hong Kong eventually registered their first shot on target with a shot which was parried by the Indonesia goalkeeper on the stroke of half-time.
A great save with his knees by the Hong Kong goalkeeper prevented Indonesia from extending their lead straight after the restart, before Hong Kong nearly made the most of a break in play to get off the mark.
|Indonesia in action against Hungary earlier in the tournament Image: Anita Milas
A clean strike which crept through the legs of the Hong Kong goalkeeper from the edge of the box then saw Indonesia go 3-0 up, before an attacking break from Hong Kong saw them finally find the back of the net via a shot which wrong-footed the Indonesia goalkeeper.
As the game opened up further, Indonesia began to find joy down the left flank and shortly found themselves 4-1 up thanks to a deflected shot, before a fine passing move saw them score their fifth goal of the match moments later.
Indonesia wound down the clock to see out what was a comfortable victory in the end.
At the final whistle, instead of celebrating the win, the Indonesia players made a beeline for their opponents, with their warm hugs and handshakes for the Hong Kong team demonstrating the true spirit of the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Indonesia coach Aulia Rahman said: “Hong Kong played well and they played with a very good spirit.
"The goalkeeper for Hong Kong is a very good goalkeeper. His performance today was very, very good. He made a couple of excellent saves.
“We enjoyed the match very much and Alhamdulilah, we got the win.
"The tournament is going well for us."
Words: Craig Williams
Images: