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Bambang Pamungkas: Don't celebrate until we've won

Posted : 15 Nov 2011 14:43:16

Jakarta (UR): The striker on Indonesia’s senior national football team, Bambang Pamungkas, warned the media and public not to get too excited over the performance of the under-23 side in the 26^th SEA Games, saying it was too early to celebrate.

He alluded to Indonesia’s performance in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup last year. In the tournament, Indonesia rode into the final on the back of spectacular wins, but the high expectations and increased publicity affected the team’s game, he said.

Indonesia lost 3-0 in the away game and won 2-1 in the home game to hand the trophy to Malaysia.

“Now our U-23 team is in good form. They have secured a berth in the semifinals, so let’s celebrate within reason. I call on media to not overdo the media scrutiny on the team as it will hurt their concentration,” Bambang said in Jakarta on Monday.

He added that the players would need full concentration for their next matches.

“During the 2010 AFF Cup, the media treated us like we had already won the trophy. We became arrogant. We are only human. I hope this doesn’t happen to our U-23 team,” he said.

Bambang added that he was happy with the U-23 side’s progress, and said the players had good prospects for the future.

“I’m happy with the progress of the players on this team. I hope in time they will replace us. We cannot play for the national team forever,” he said.