Maldives plays down chances against RI in W. Cup qualifier

Maldives plays down chances against RI in W. Cup qualifier

JAKARTA (JP): Maldives soccer coach Jozef Jankech refused to
discuss his squad's chances against host Indonesia in their 2002
World Cup prequalifying match at Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan,
Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

The Slovakian coach said the Indonesian team had better skills
than his side, although Maldives blanked Cambodia 6-0 in the
first home match of Group Nine on April 1.

However, Jankech did promise his team would present a tough
challenge for Indonesia.

"Every game has three possibilities: lose, win or draw. But we
want to play good soccer. We'll play offensively. We have many
players with good skills and all of them are fit for the game,"
he said after watching his team go through a light practice on
Friday.

Jankech said he was in the dark about the style of play of the
Indonesians. "I have very little information on the Indonesian
team. I have never seen them play. It's difficult to say."

In preparation for the World Cup prequalification round,
Maldives played six friendlies against Thailand, Singapore and
Oman. In the six matches, Maldives only won once, defeating
Singapore.

In discussing Maldives' first ever victory in World Cup
qualifiers, Jankech said both teams were scoreless 10 minutes
into the first half, but after Maldives took a 1-0 lead the
Cambodian defense disappeared.

"Maybe the Cambodian players had less competitive experience.
Most of the players were newcomers," said the 63-year-old coach.

Indonesia is in Group Nine with Maldives, Cambodia and China.

Jankech, who has only been coaching the Maldives national team
for three months, said his team's goal was to finish in the top
three of the group. He added that he was positive China would win
the group.

"We already know that China is the strongest among us. The
three others will struggle for the second and third positions,"
he said.

The Maldives team comprises 26 players, 18 of whom will be
dressed for the game against Indonesia.

Jankech complained about the Soccer Association of Indonesia's
decision only to allow Maldives to practice at the Bung Karno
complex's ABC field, located outside the main soccer stadium.

"It's no good. The field is too small. It's very difficult to
play here," Jankech said.

Maldives striker Ali Umar, who scored two goals against
Cambodia, promised to produce more goals on Sunday.

"Although I don't know the style of play of the Indonesian
team, I want to score more goals. We have to win. I will observe
how the home team plays before counterattacking," he said on
Friday. (ivy)