Indonesia spared Thais in Tiger Cup group draw
Indonesia spared Thais in Tiger Cup group draw
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia may be relieved that it has not been drawn in the
same group as defending champion Thailand, but the team's manager
warned against taking other participants lightly at the upcoming
Tiger Cup.
Indonesia, which will cohost the biennial soccer tournament
among the Southeast Asian nations in December along with
Singapore, is in Group A with Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and
Cambodia.
Singapore will play host to Malaysia, Laos and Thailand in
Group B. Brunei Darussalam is the only absentee. The draw was
staged at the Shangri-La hotel here on Saturday.
Indonesia finished runner-up to Thailand last season in
Bangkok.
"We can by no means consider Vietnam and Myanmar easy
opponents. They may pose a stumbling block and prevent Indonesia
from reaching the next stage," the team's manager, Ismet D.
Tahir, said, as quoted by Antara.
The tournament will run from Dec. 15 to Dec. 29. The
Indonesian matches will be staged at the Bung Karno stadium with
Lebak Bulus stadium in South Jakarta being reserved as an
alternative venue.
The draw ceremony was attended by representatives of the nine
participating countries. The host side was led by Agum Gumelar,
chairman of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
Witnessing the draw ceremony were President of the ASEAN
Football Federation (AFF) Dato Ahmad Rithauddeen and Secretary-
general Dato Paul Mony.
Soccer stars from the region were also present at the scene.
Bambang Pamungkas, the 2001 best player in the Indonesian
League, said in a media conference that Indonesia as the hosting
team must win the tournament.
He said that given the draw Indonesia should be able to go
through to the next stage for a final that is likely to be
against the reigning champion.
Thai star Kiatisuk Senamuang, who is nicknamed "Zico",
relished the challenge and said his team was eager to repeat
their victory over Indonesia.
Thailand beat Indonesia 4-1 in the 2000 final. The only goal
for Indonesia was scored by Uston Nawawi.
However, Senamuang said his side would have to overcome the
opposition from Malaysia and host Singapore.
"We are in a tough group. Everyone knows Singapore has two
strong players," he said, referring to Nazri Nasir and Mohammad
Muzammil, two of the stars on the island state's team.