Bora Milutinovic to 'spy' in Jakarta

April 4, 2001

Chinese national team's head coach from Yugoslavia, Bora Milutinovic, will arrive in Jakarta on Friday (4/6) to watch the match between Indonesia and Maldives on Sunday (4/8). According to Indonesian national team's manager, Irawadi D. Hanafi, Bora's presence at the match is a proof that the Chinese team is taking this group stage seriously and not underestimating any team.

"CFA (Chinese Football Association) has informed us that Bora will arrive on Friday. Meanwhile, there are already CFA officials and Chinese journalists in Jakarta since last week to check on the stadium, hotel, and to get further information on our national team," said Irawadi.

Irawadi said that even though China defeated Indonesia 4-0 at Asian Cup last year, they apparently are still taking careful approaches on Indonesia.

"There's no need to fear China. Hopefully, when we play in Senayan with the support of tens of thousands of fans, Kurniawan and teammates will be able to give their best," said Irawadi.

The highly-respected Bora Milutinovic is one of the few coaches in the world who has taken four different nations into the second round of World Cup final-round. He took Mexico in 1986 World Cup, Costa Rica in 1990, United States in 1994, and Nigeria in 1998.

When he was appointed as Chinese new head coach, Bora - dubbed as The Miracl Worker - was sure that he could build a strong Chinese national team and bring them to their first ever World Cup.

After defeating Indonesia 4-0 at the last Asian Cup, Bora only gave a little comment about Indonesian national team at that time.

"Indonesia is still a few steps behind us, both in individual skills and teamwork," said the genius Yugoslav.

from www.sepak-bola.tv (94/3/01)