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Indonesia Has Chance to Beat China: Team Captain
Indonesia soccer team captain Bima Sakti radiated confidence over his squad's chance of beating host China in the 2002 World Cup Asia Zone Group Nine qualifier at Kunming, China, on Sunday, the Jakarta Post reported Friday.
Bima said local soccer fans estimated that the visitor would be able to put up a good show against odds-on favorite China even though the host had better skills than the Indonesians.
"We never expected it. The information has boosted our motivation to prepare ourselves better," Bima was quoted by spokesman for the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Eddi Elison as saying in the Horizon hotel in Kunming on Thursday.
Bima said that all the players had started to adjust themselves to the cold weather in the city, which is located some 2,000 meters above sea level.
Indonesia will host China at the Bung Karno Stadium in the Senayan complex here on May 27 at the end of the campaign.
Uston Nawawi expressed his regrets that he could not play in Sunday's match due to his accumulated number of yellow cards.
"It's a pity that I can't play on Sunday. But I'll be able to make use of my time by analyzing China's performance, so I can prepare for the Chinese tactics during our home match in Jakarta," he said.
Uston will likely be replaced by Mattheus Seta Nurdiyantara.
"I'm ready to replace Uston. The most important thing is that we realize China is a tough opponent. I'll try to defend well against their players," he said.
Teammate Yaris Riyadi said he had fully recovered from his head
injury and was ready to go back into the field.
Eddi quoted coach Benny Dolo as saying that his team could benefit from its underdog status.
"We are fully prepared to go the whole way against China. We have nothing to lose. We're not carrying any baggage. It is China who is under pressure to win the match. I will use this opportunity. Moreover, I have a comprehensive picture of China's strengths and weaknesses," he added.
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