Indonesia humbled by Singapore 2-0 in AFF

The Jakarta Post   |  Wed, 12/10/2008 8:25 AM  |  Headlines

(JP/J. Adiguna)(JP/J. Adiguna)

Indonesia midfielder Firman Utina (photo above) was challenged by Singapore defender John Wilkinson (center) in a Group A match  of the AFF Suzuki Cup soccer tournament at Bung Karno Main Stadium in Central Jakarta on Tuesday in which the home side’s unbeaten run in the competition ended with a 2-0 hammering.

Playing in front of a near-capacity stadium, largely consisting of home supporters, Indonesia’s players appeared stunned when the visitors scored in the second minute through a Baihaki Bin Khaizan’s free kick.

The Red-and-White squad reacted positively with good team play from its trio of Budi Sudarsono, Arif Suyono and Bambang Pamungkas, but failed to find an equalizer in the first half.

Matters worsened when the visitors widened the gap in the 50th minute when Shi Jiayi scored a curling effort — again from a freekick outside of the penalty box — that found a chink in Indonesia’s defensive wall and beat Indonesian goalkeeper Markus Horison.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, Indonesia failed to capitalize on its chances.
“We had several chances to score, but we just missed them. I don’t know what’s wrong with my players,” said Indonesia’s head coach Benny Dollo during the post-match press conference.

The result leaves Singapore in the top spot of Group A with three wins in three. Indonesia is in second with two wins and a  loss. Both have secured berths to play in the tournament’s semifinals.

In the other Group A match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, West Java, Myanmar edged Cambodia 3-2. — JP

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Zainal Abidn (not verified) — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 8:26am

Indonesia was faster and technically much more skillful. S'pore was pathetically slow,had a lumbering defender in the form of Precious and a blunt attack led by Agu Casmir. Physically though,S'pore has an edge due to number of foreign-born players that we have.

It was odd that Indonesia penetrated the S'pore defense quite easily mustering 15+ shots on goal but their final ball in the final third of the pitch lacks the clinical finishing that they had against Cambodia.

I'm a football fan,first and foremost and a Singapore supporter second. S'pore have been playing boring crap football in all 3 games so I'd actually like to see a decent football team like Indonesia or Thailand lift the Suzuki cup.

Radit (not verified) — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 2:07am

I think Singapore don't have the local players because I saw so many foreigner who got the Singapore citizenship and it just a few from born local...

actually performance of Indonesian team has great but looked not confident, then doesn't have teamwork...

I just give advice to Indonesian coach, maybe don't give too much pressure on team cause it can be stress of each player..
just do the potential ability of each player have..
that team must have teamwork.. no one man team
last, give a proud of our nation...

good luck team....

Kurniawan_Putra (not verified) — Wed, 12/10/2008 - 10:20am

I think Singapore is just bit far of Indonesia, from their posture, they are faster and they can reach the ball in any condition, actually Indonesia has a good control in ball position, moreover the rival is faster and stronger.

I'll be waiting for our next show My Indonesia, I love Red n' White Eleven.... carry on and keep your spirit...

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