Indonesia hopes to avoid early clash with Thailand

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia does not want to risk an early clash with favorite Thailand in the initial ASEAN Tiger Cup soccer tournament in Singapore from Sept. 1 to 15, according to the team manager.

Danurwindo, who has been in charge of the team for the past two years, said yesterday that his squad needs to finish first in its group to ensure a crossover semifinal with the runner-up of the other group, which is unlikely to be Thailand.

"Our first test, hence, is to clear the toughest hurdle in our group, Vietnam," Danurwindo said.

Indonesia is in Group A with Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, while Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Thailand, the host Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines make up Group B.

Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore are the clear favorites to reach the semifinals.

When they last played, in the 1995 Chiang Mai SEA Games, Vietnam defeated Indonesia 1-0 to progress to the semifinals.

Danurwindo predicted that all the participating countries will send their SEA Games squads to the tournament, which has been designed as a biennial event. It will be hosted in turn by each of the ASEAN members and observers.

"But each team has an equal chance of reaching the semifinals this time. We have to stay alert," a cautious Danurwindo said.

Indonesia, featuring a blend of youth and experience, opens its campaign against lowly Laos at the Jurong Stadium on Sept. 2.

Winning the tournament will provide a morale booster for Indonesia prior to its trip to Dubai for the Asia Cup finals in December.

The All-Indonesia Football Association has decided to delay the last-12 round of the national league championship for a month in order to give national team members ample time to prepare for the Tiger Cup.

However, the new schedule, from Sept. 24 to Sept. 28, has caused headaches for the contesting teams since they have to pay extra money for various reasons. Complaints have been mounting from the clubs which do not want to make their foreign signings stay until the end of the season. Most of the imported players' contracts end by September.

To make matter worse, there may be no Indonesian representatives in the Asia Champions Cup and Winners Cup which kick off on Sept. 9, following the Indonesian league's rescheduling.

The Indonesian champion is tipped to host Pohang of South Korea on Sept. 7. On the same day, Indonesia's runner-up is drawn to visit the Malaysian Cup winner in their cup winners cup opening leg. (amd)