Audero dresses as a hero for Indonesia: two penalties saved to win a historic title

Rayo Vallecano

11

Emil Audero
1.620.000€-140.000€3

J7

5

J6

3

J5

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J4

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J3

PT

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The final ended up turning Emil Audero into one of the big names of the tournament. After a match full of twists and turns, Indonesia and Thailand had to settle the title from the penalty spot, where the goalkeeper of the Rayo Vallecano stepped up to save the last two penalties of the shootout and secure the trophy for his national team.

His starring role came after he started the competition from the bench. Maarten Paes, Ajax's goalkeeper, took charge of Indonesia's goal against Singapore and Malaysia, but the coach changed his approach for the two decisive matches and handed the starting spot to Audero.

The former Como player conceded two goals in his first appearance, although Indonesia resolved that game with a resounding 9-2. In the final, the scenario was completely different, and Audero ended up being decisive at the moment of maximum pressure.

A special title for Indonesia and for Audero

The triumph has a historical element. Indonesia had not won a title since 1991, when they claimed the Southeast Asian Games. It is also recorded as the first champions of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a competition created by FIFA to bring together Southeast Asian teams alongside other invited sides. Indonesia shared the tournament's organization with Hong Kong.

Audero, aged 29, is facing this international success just a few months after joining Rayo Vallecano on loan from Como, Cesc Fàbregas's club. The Madrid side moved in the market after Batalla's injury on the second matchday.

Cárdenas initially took charge in goal, but Audero ended up going ahead of him in the fight for the spot. He has started in the last three matchdays, a spell in which he has conceded six goals and made 12 saves, including his performance against the Real Madrid.