National Team wins big

March 29, 2001

The tridente (three strikers) of Persija Jakarta, Bambang Pamungkas, Budi Sudarsono, and Gendut Dony all scored goals in the national team's 6-0 friendly win against Mitra Kalteng Putra. In this match, the addition of four PSM Makassar players give the squad a more definite form.

Head coach Benny Dollo put two different teams in each half. In the first half, the national team led by four after goals from Gendut Dony, Bambang Pamungkas, Elly Aiboy, and Zaenal Arif. This team consisted of goalie Hendro Kartiko, defenders Warsidi, Rolando Khoibur, Joao Bosco Cabral, Supriyono, midfielders Yaris Riyadi, Elly Aiboy, Erol FX Iba, and the duet of strikers Bambang Pamungkas and Gendut Dony.

Starting the second half, Benny put a completely different set of players. In are goalie I Komang Putra, with defenders Sunar Sulaiman, Sugiantoro, Aples Tecuari, Ronny Ririn, Agung Setyabudi, midfielders Isnan, Bima Sakti, Firman Utina, Uston Nawawi, Seto Nurdiyantoro, and up front, strikers Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, Zaenal Arif, and Budi Sudarsono.

In this half, the national team added two more goals through Budi Sudarsono and Zaenal Arif.

This trial match against Mitra Putra Kalteng was held at 2 x 60 minutes.

Regarding this, Benny said, "I made the time longer because I want to see the players' physical strengths and stamina. I'm glad to see that the team is coming together better now, especially after the addition of four PSM players.

"And now, the three young Persija strikers look to be more dangerous because the flow of passes from the midfield keeps getting better. Last weekend, we only won 2-1 against the same team because teamwork and understanding were poor. Now they're starting to get each other."

Benny added saying that on March 31, he will announce the 25 players out of 34 in selection right now who will form the core of the national squad. He said that nothing is final yet, and it can change any time.

"The number can increase, can also decrease. Every player is different in form and character from one another, and we may need different ones against Maldives and China," said Benny.

The national team still has two more friendlies to go, one against Persikota Kab. Tangerang on March 31 and another against PS Mahasiswa on April 4. Then, four days later on April 8, the national team will face their first qualifying match against Maldives at Bung Karno Main Stadium (formerly known as Senayan) in Jakarta.

from www.sepak-bola.tv