Coach criticizes U-20 for indifferent play

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The national soccer U-20 team, due shortly to participate in the Asian Cup, was held to a 1-1 draw by First Division team Perserang at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Wednesday, with the national team coach criticizing his players for lack of motivation and concentration.

"I can't say much about the match. They are about to depart soon but they seemed to lack spirit. They lost their concentration," coach Bambang Nurdiansyah told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

The team will head to Thailand for the Asian Cup where it will be up against Hong Kong, the Philippines and the host.

However, Bambang, who has taken over the coaching post from German national Bernhard Schumm, refused to panic, saying that he would be able to cope with the issue.

"They performed shakily probably because they feared being injured or because they felt they had nothing to prove as they were already assured of places in the national team.

"I have told them they should have fought it out even if it were just a friendly game," he added.

Bambang also announced the dropping of two other members -- goalkeeper Ariek Sulistyo and Rully Soputan -- leaving the team with 20 players.

Indonesia will play Hong Kong in the opening match on April 2 before taking on Thailand over the next two days. The Philippines are the last opponent according to the newly revised schedule.

Thailand was initially scheduled to be Indonesia's last opponent, which Indonesia would be keen to take.

"I'd love to be paired against Thailand in the last game, like a real final," Bambang said. Only the group winner will qualify to the final stage in Dubai next year.