PSSI cruises to Asian finals in Dubai
PSSI cruises to Asian finals in Dubai
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's football team (PSSI) remained in a down-to-earth mood amid the celebrations which followed Wednesday's success in securing a place in the Asian Championship Finals in Dubai next December.
Head coach Danurwindo, who watched as Malaysia only managed to beat helpless India 5-2 in the last group qualifying match in Selangor, said that he planned a total overhaul of his squad before the finals, scheduled from Dec. 3 to Dec. 30.
"There are many mistakes that will need correction before entering the finals. We are playing Asia's best teams," Danurwindo said.
Indonesia, who routed India 7-1 on Monday, won the Group 4 qualifying matches on goal difference over Malaysia. Both teams scored four points after securing one win and one draw from their two matches.
Only the group winner qualifies for the finals, with Indonesia becoming the third to go to Dubai after China and Saudi Arabia. Defending champions Japan and hosts United Arab Emirates have automatic entry.
National team director Nirwan Bakrie said that he would ask the coaching duo of Danurwindo and Andi Teguh to draw up a detailed training program in the coming eight months.
"We are also considering hiring a special coach to improve our players' physical fitness and another coach to train our goalkeepers," Nirwan said.
Indonesia assured itself of its first appearance in the championships after 40 years of trying, after India's striker Baichung Buthia struck his second goal in the 79th minute. Buthia, a stand-in goalkeeper in India's drubbing by Indonesia, made it 1-2 early in the second half.
Malaysia, who needed to win by a seven-goal margin to deny Indonesia the finals berth, kept up the pace after its 2-0 first- half lead. Veterans Dollah Saleh and Zainal Arifin led the Malaysians assaults, but India showed some of its superb defense in the final 20 minutes to avoid another goal spree.
Final Group 4 standings: Indonesia 2 1 1 0 7-1 4 Malaysia 2 1 1 0 5-2 4 India 2 0 0 2 3-12 0