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)