Jakartans predict victory for Brazil in W. Cup final
Jakartans predict victory for Brazil in W. Cup final
JAKARTA (JP): So who's going to go home with the World Cup
this year? Soccer fans, from celebrities and businesspeople to
military officers, were asked to predict the winner of the World
Cup final between France and Brazil.
Minister/State Secretary and newly elected Golkar chairman
Akbar Tandjung says it's Brazil all the way.
"Of course Brazil will win. I've been a Brazil fan since I was
young, so whomever the team meets I'm sure Brazil will win."
Chandra Wijaya, the 1997 world champion men's doubles
shuttler:
"In the beginning of the World Cup, I wanted to see Brazil and
Nigeria play in the final. Both teams play beautiful matches.
Their players are very talented, their physical condition is
always perfect and they have good teamwork.
"But since Nigeria lost in the second round, I think Brazil
will win the final against France. Brazil is the real champion.
The Brazilians always play beautifully and every match is always
worth seeing.
"Although France has an advantage as host, Brazil will still
win. Technically, Brazil, with its top-class players, is one
class above France."
Thomas Suyatno, a banker and a member of the House of
Representatives (DPR):
"I've always favored the Brazilian team. They really know how
to play football and the individual players have a superior
technique. I'm certain that Brazil will be the champion again
this time.
"Soccer is one my favorite sports and I have closely followed
the World Cup on TV."
Zoraya Perucha, ANteve corporate communications manager:
"I am a loyalist. I'm going for France. At first I thought
France and England would play the grand final, but it's Brazil
now. I know everybody is going for Brazil... My favorite player?
Ronaldo of course.
"I have faith in Aime Jacquet (France's coach). I think he's a
very wise coach."
Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, outgoing Jakarta military
commander, was asked about his favorite team Tuesday, hours
before France played Croatia in their semifinal match.
"I want France because it has struggled hard to become the
champion. France is also the World Cup organizer and has many
supporters.
"I don't have another favorite team, such as Brazil. Why
should I back a team that has already been the champion?
"I can't predict the score of the match. I don't gamble."
Dwiki Dharmawan, musician: "Brazil! My favorite player is
Ronaldo."
Tony Prabowo, musician: "I'm betting on Brazil. I'm not a good
analyst and I'm not into theories and all, but I can see that
Brazil is really playing well and I'm sure they're going to win.
My favorite player is Suker from Croatia."
Jakarta Military Police commander Col. Hendardji said he
supported Brazil. "Well, actually the final match was when the
Netherlands met with Brazil. I like the Netherlands a lot, too.
These are the two countries which have a special tradition and
style in soccer.
"But I definitely want Brazil! Why? It seems that the ball
rolls beautifully on their feet. The players are awesome in their
technique and tactics, too.
"I don't have a lot of time to watch soccer. I even don't have
a lot of time for my family, especially since I've been heading
the investigation of the Trisakti (University) shooting incident.
"I've given myself a chance to see one or two games.
"It's fun and refreshing. Even listening to the theme song:
'Go, Go, Go, Allez, Allez, Allez', lifts my spirit."
Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said he
would definitely go for Brazil.
"They play magnificently. I think they deserve to be the
winner because they were born to play soccer.
"Brazil's people, up to its president, care a lot about
soccer. I just wish Indonesia had that kind of spirit.
"I watched some of Brazil's games. But I'm upset because Italy
lost. Actually, I like Italy, too.
"In between fighting crime and supervising security operations
(from midnight to dawn), I got the chance to watch some soccer.
Even though I'd sometimes be quite sleepy, I'd keep my eyes open
if the match was exciting... ha, ha..."
A. Tjipto Wignjoprajitno, executive director of the
Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo):
"I haven't had time to watch the World Cup games because I
usually go to sleep at 9 p.m. But I believe what many say that
Brazil will become the World Cup champion this year. But
considering that France is not a weak team, Brazil may win by
only a small margin."