Indonesia fails to roar over Myanmar in Tiger Cup
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia failed to secure the maximum three points following a disappointing performance in its opening match against Myanmar in Group A of the Tiger Cup at the Bung Karno Stadium here on Sunday.
Playing before its home crowd, which filled the lower stand of the 100,000-capacity stadium, Indonesia, under Bulgarian coach Ivan Kolev, had to be content with a 0-0 draw in the Southeast Asian soccer cup.
The result disappointed spectators who booed the Indonesian players and coach off the field at the end of the match.
However, the Myanmar team smiled with relief and congratulated each other, while coach David Booth back slapped his reserves in delight.
A downcast within the Indonesian team was palpable. "It's an absolutely disappointing result for the team," Kolev said at a press conference.
Myanmar took on the Indonesian national team using a newly adopted 4-4-2 format for the first time in an official tournament.
And it seemed, as Kolev admitted, that the players, used to using a 3-5-2 formation, were yet to adapt to their coach's instructions.
"We have been trying the 4-4-2 format for two months and a half and it seems that the players have yet to master it," Kolev said.
Indonesia rarely created clear goal chances throughout the match due to loose links from the midfield where Elie Aiboy, Hary Syaputra and Imran Nahumarury played poorly.
As a result, Bambang Pamungkas at the front was provided with little to hammer into the opponent's net. Indonesia's best chance was when a quick counter-attack through the midfield served Elie with a good cross, but his powerful shot from the close range was blocked by goalkeeper Aung Aung OO.
Although it came occasionally, Myanmar's now and then attacking march was enough to deal the home team an instant fright, only that the visiting team found a mean defense with Aples Gideoan Tecuari specifically standing out among fellow defenders.
"I can say we were good only in the one third of our armory," Kolev said referring to his team's defense. "But when we went further to the attacking area, we broke apart," he said.
Myanmar came close to embarrassing the home team when Soe Lin Tun's volley hit the post within the first 10 minutes.
Booth expressed his delight, saying they had played to expectations and signified the players had managed to overcome the mental barrier.
Group A comprises Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam and Cambodia were still playing their match at press time.
Group B matches take place in Singapore and is joined by defending champion Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore. The opening match will kick off on Wednesday.