Feature Stories

Thailand needs a win over Indonesia

Posted : 13 Nov 2011 14:56:48

JAKARTA (UR): The manager of Thailand’s under-23 football team at the 26^th SEA Games, Kasem Jariyawatwong, admitted that after his side’s loss to Malaysia, the team would have to win its remaining matches to secure a place in the semifinals.

The managed to beat Cambodia in the opening match, but the loss to Malaysia has placed them in a precarious position.

The White Elephant team is now looking for wins in its remaining two matches against Indonesia and Singapore.

“In order to go to the next round, we have to beat Indonesia first. Indonesia is a strong team, with talented, fast players. We have to be cautious because they can attack and score a goal at any time,” Kasem said in Jakarta yesterday.

He added that the three Indonesia players to watch were Titus Bonai, Patrich Wanggai and playmaker Oktavianus Maniani. “Okto is small but he runs very fast, he is a dangerous player, because he creates most goals,” Kasem said.

Thai captain Ronnachai Rangsiyo said the tema had to play very well against Indonesia. “We hope the team will be disciplined in defense and attack when the ball is in our possession,” Ronnachai said.

Even though Titus, Wanggai, dan Okto have been marked for special attention, he warned that other players were also dangerous. “This is football, and any player can surprise us,” Ronnachai said.

Indonesia’s U-23 team can secure a place in the semifinals if they defeat Thailand on Sunday. But the “Young Garuda” are wary of their opponent’s attacking power.

Indonesia posted their second victory with a 2-0 win over Singapore at the Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta on Friday. With the result, Indonesia leads Group A with 6 points.

Thailand is currently fourth in the group with 3 points and will have a fight on its hands.

“They are a good team. Their strikers are strong. But I’m not worried because the communication among our defense is good,” Indonesian defender Diego Michiels said.

He suggested that Indonesia rely on counterattacks to beat Thailand. “Because they have good strikers, I think a good defense is important. The best way to do it is to counterattack,” he said.

Indonesia coach Rahmad Darwaman clearly expects not only to beat Thailand, but to lead his team to gold.

The result may prove to be a consolation for the public, who witnessed the senior football side crash out of contention in the World Cup qualifiers.

For the Thailand game, Rahmad has allowed his side enough time to rest after their Singapore match.

He said he was aware that the match against Thailand would be pivotal.