Futsal tournament opened

Futsal tournament opened

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's first futsal tournament was opened
on Sunday by the chairman of the Soccer Association of Indonesia
(PSSI), Agum Gumelar, at Bung Karno Indoor Stadium in Senayan,
Central Jakarta.

The tournament is being organized by the association in
cooperation with fast-food restaurant chain McDonalds.

The qualifying round is being held in Simprug Sport Hall,
South Jakarta, from March 24 to March 26. The quarterfinals and
semifinals will take place in the Bung Karno Basketball Hall on
April 1, while the final is to be held in the Bung Karno Indoor
Stadium on April 19, in conjunction with PSSI's 71st anniversary.

Futsal is a five-a-side game of soccer originating from
Uruguay played on a basketball-sized court either in indoor or
outdoor without the use of sidewalls.

After the opening ceremony, the Yellow All Stars defeated the
Blue All Stars 5-4 in an exhibition match that featured former
Indonesian soccer stars.

Taking part in the game were Ricky Yakobi (left) of the Blue
team, who is seen dribbling the ball while teammate Robi Binur
(right) watches. Ricky scored a goal to seal a 5-4 victory for
the Blue squad.

Nuriansyah scored the Yellow team's first goal and teammate
Ashari Rangkuti netted two goals. The Blue team's Kristianto
scored in the first half, and the Yellow team went into the break
with a 3-1 lead.

In the second half, the Blue team cranked up its attack and
was rewarded with goals by Rachmad Darman, Rus Muhidin and Herry
Kiswanto, giving it a 4-3 lead. The lead, however, did not last
long and the Yellow team's Elli Idris netted an equalizer. Ricky
scored the decisive goal in the Blue team's win. (nvn)