Indonesia's soccer team confident of defeating Sri Lanka

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's pre-Olympic soccer team coach Bernhard Schumm is confident his team can defeat Sri Lanka in their third match of the Asian zone Group 8 prequalifying round for the 2000 Olympic Games at Tong Dae Moon Sport Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

Schumm said on Wednesday his team was prepared to face the Sri Lankans, as their opponent did not have a distinguished record.

However, he cautioned that "the Sri Lankans have a keen fighting spirit. We should keep a close watch on strikers E.B. Channa and Kasum Joysutia who move quickly", All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) spokesman Tondo Widodo quoted Schumm as saying from South Korea.

Tondo said the Sri Lanka side was low-profile and that it came to South Korea to seek experience in the international tournament.

The Sri Lankan team made a poor start in the opening match on Tuesday after it suffered a 0-5 hiding from the powerful South Koreans.

Sri Lanka's coach Subani Hasemdeen said his team had not set a target to win every game and earn a ticket to Sydney.

"We came here to gain experience. We have no ambition to force our way to Sydney. However, I'm satisfied with my team's performance in the first match against South Korea on Tuesday. I hope they improve their performance when they face Indonesia," Tondo quoted Hasemdeen as saying.

Hasemdeen expressed hope that his team could surprise Indonesia when the two meet on Thursday. He said all his players needed was to gain back their confidence in order to motivate them to play well.

While the Sri Lankans will play without the burden of overwhelming pressure, Indonesia will go all out to stay on top.

Indonesia defeated Taiwan 2-1 in their first match on Tuesday. Top striker Bambang Pamungkas and Uston Nawawi earned one goal each in the 66th and 75th minutes. The team will play South Korea in the last match on May 29 at Olympic Stadium.

Tondo said Schumm had instructed his players to forsake speed for accuracy, particularly in front of the goalpost.

"On Tuesday, Bambang and (midfielder) Haryanto Prasetyo were unsure in their play, so they missed many opportunities to make goals. We are serious to win this game," Schumm said.

Goal keeper Sahari Gultom and left winger Ismed Sofyan will be benched due to serious injuries, he said. (ivy)