I

ndonesia’s national soccer squad are still relishing their intoxicating euphoria following their 1-0 victory over Singapore’s 10-man team in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup.

The team took up light practice and joined a birthday celebration for a player on Thursday, according to Antara news agency. Smiling faces were ubiquitous among the team members who were stretching in the yard of one of the largest hotels in Southeast Asia — the Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The atmosphere was different from the day before when nervousness gripped the players and officials as the team figured out the prospects of playing without first goalkeeper Endra Prasetya. Endra was sent off in the team’s opening match against Laos and was serving a one-match suspension.

The fact that Singapore had crushed host and defending champion Malaysia 3-0 seemed to provide the team with a daunting task.

All nervousness and fears melted as Andik Vermansyah’s spectacular goal unsettled the Lions, who defended resolutely despite playing with only 10 men in the second half.

Indonesia leads Group B with four points, followed by Singapore (three), Malaysia (three) and Laos (one). Thailand is currently dominating Group A, which is being played in Bangkok, with six points followed by the Philippines (three), Vietnam (one) and Myanmar (one).

Thailand and Singapore have been the most successful teams since the tournament was first held in 1996, winning three times each. Indonesia reached the finals in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2010, only to end up as runner-ups. Their hopes are high over the prospect of winning this time around.

Their next obstacle to overcome is on Saturday when they take on Malaysia to decide qualification to the semifinals. But for the moment, the players seem to be keen not to come down from their high spirits.

Elie Aiboy performed a comical stunt, teasing fellow teammates, while wearing a wig. The Papua-born Semen Padang player did not stop there. He also made everyone else around him burst into laughter when he performed the “Gangnam Style”, a dance made popular by South Korean rapper Psy, whose video has gone viral on video-sharing website YouTube with over 838 million views.

“I’ve watched OVJ [daily comedy TV show Opera Van Java] a lot. Sule [one of the show’s hosts] inspired me to do this,” Elie said on Thursday as quoted by Antara, while doing the dance.

Team members and officials shifted their focus to the energetic midfielder, Taufiq, who was celebrating his 26th birthday. The fun and games continued when teammate Octovianus Maniani broke an egg on Taufiq’s head. A number of other players, including defender Novan Setya Sasongko, followed suit.

Irfan Bachdim, Tonnie Cusell and Raphael Maitimo, as well as national team officials, wished Taufiq a happy birthday.

When asked about his birthday wish, Taufiq said he hoped the Garuda team would return home in triumph with the 2012 AFF Cup, as Indonesia had quite a big chance to move forward to the semifinals after defeating Singapore.

“I want to help the national team win the title,” said Taufiq.

Saturday’s match will see if Taufiq’s and the nation’s hopes can come true.