Vietnam U-22 head coach Nguyen Huu Thang claimed that his side should be deserved two penalties during the goalless draw with Indonesia on Tuesday at Selayang Stadium.
Vietnam had the ball in the net twice in quick succession on the 71st and 72nd minutes, but both efforts were ruled offside. Despite playing with more players, Vietnam failed to score a goal and accepted leaving the field with just a point.
“I regret that the referee did not follow the match closely. In my observation, Vietnam should have been awarded two penalties when the Indonesian defender touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area and Quang Hai was fouled in a violent manner,” Thang told reporters in the post-match conference, as quoted by Vietnamnet.
Speaking about the race to SEA Games semi-final among Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, the Vietnam former international thought the chances were equal for three teams.
Vietnam and Thailand, who are both on 10 points after four matches, face each other at Selayang Stadium on Thursday, while Indonesia have a relatively easy game against Cambodia.
If Thailand and Vietnam draw and Indonesia beat Cambodia, goal difference will determine which of the three teams qualify for the semifinals.