JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team had to settle for a 1-1 draw when they faced Singapore in the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals. After the match, netizens discussed Ezra Walian who appeared less than optimal.
In the meeting that took place at the National Stadium, Singapore on Wednesday night, December 22, the national team actually took a 1-0 lead in the first half thanks to Witan Sulaeman's execution.
But in the second half, the game started to slacken until Shin Tae-yong decided to make two substitutions. Ezra Walian entered to replace Dedik Setiawan, as well as Evan Dimas who was assigned to replace Rachmat Irianto.
The substitution of players is actually expected by the coach to increase the power of the Garuda squad to increase the number. However, Ezra's presence on the field did not really help the front lines.
The national team was actually pursued by Singapore, who was able to equalize the score in the 70th minute through Ikhsan Fandi who took advantage of Faris Ramli's sweet bait. The score was changed to 1-1.
Eight minutes after Ikhsan Fandi's goal, Shin Tae-yong changed his mind again. The South Korean coach then decided to pull Ezra Walian out in the 78th minute to be replaced by Hanis Saghara.
With time running out, Shin Tae-yong's substitutions were unable to change the score. Because, the referee first blew the long whistle signaling the end of the match when the position was still tied at 1-1.
After the match, the figure of Ezra Walian immediately received attention from netizens because his appearance was considered sluggish. The Dutch-Indonesian blooded player was also claimed to have performed below expectations, so netizens were busy suggesting that the player should be rested for the next match.
"Ezra Walian was just jogging," wrote a netizen in the PSSI's latest comment column.
"Ezra Walian replaced a substitute," said another netizen.
"Don't play Ezra... Can't keep up with the rhythm of the game... He's weak... Dedik or Judo..." said another.
Despite having to swallow a draw in the first leg, the chance for the national team to advance to the final is still wide open. This can be achieved if in the second leg they are able to win.
The second leg of the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals will be held on Saturday, December 25 the day after tomorrow at the National Stadium, Singapore.
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