RI soccer squad full of optimism despite injuries

JAKARTA (JP): Undefeated in the 2002 World Cup Group Nine qualifying round, Indonesia will enter Sunday's away match with Maldives in Male optimistic of continued success.

Team manager Irawadi D. Hanafi said on Tuesday he was optimistic his squad would outshine Maldives in their second encounter despite a number of injuries sustained during last week's match against Cambodia.

"We must maintain our optimism. We realize that Maldives managed to hold hot favorite China to one goal on their home soil. Therefore, we must remain cautious," he said.

Key striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, who has a sprained ankle, resumed practicing on Tuesday at the team's temporary training camp in Singapore. Midfielder Yaris Riyadi was able to take part in a light workout despite having six stitches in his temple. The two were injured during Indonesia's 2-0 victory over Cambodia last Sunday.

Substitute goalkeeper I Komang Putra was sent home after injuring his leg during a practice session last Thursday in Phnom Penh.

"So far we don't need another substitute goalie. If Hendro Kartiko is injured during the match against Maldives, we'll consider calling on Wawan Darmawan of Persijatim.

"As for Kurniawan, he told me that he just a sprain and would be able to play at full strength after four or five days of treatment. But I'm not sure if Yaris will be able to play in Sunday's match because a physician in Phnom Penh told us he would need at least one week of rest," Irawadi said.

The manager said the national team was still looking for a squad to scrimmage against in Singapore before leaving for Male on Thursday.

Indonesia was scheduled to face the Singaporean under-23 team, on Wednesday, but the match was canceled because the Singapore squad left the country for overseas training.

Indonesia sits atop Group Nine with three victories in three matches, setting the scene for an intriguing showdown when it travels to Kunming, China, on May 13. The heavily favored Chinese have also won all of their matches, just edging past Maldives last Saturday. (ivy)