Coach criticizes U-20 for indifferent play

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.