SPORTS> Teams
|
SPORTS> Teams
|
|
Indonesia (Group D)
Updated: 2007-07-07 20:25 Indonesia hold the distinction of being the first Asian representatives in the FIFA World Cup finals but despite emerging as one of South East Asia's leading sides in recent years, they have yet to shine on the continental stage. As the Dutch East Indies, the nation made history in 1938 when they became the first team from the continent to play in the World Cup. However, their long journey to France proved to be fruitless as they played only one game, a 6-0 defeat to eventual runners-up Hungary in Reims. Following independence from the Netherlands, Indonesia took part in the inaugural Asian Games football tournament in New Delhi in 1951 and became one of the founding members of the Asian Football Confederation three years later. However, Indonesia did not participate in the AFC Asian Cup until the qualifying tournament in 1968 and it was only in 1996 that they earned their ticket to the final round for the first time, where they were knocked out at the group stage. Four years later, they again reached the finals in Lebanon but, despite some improved performances – including a 0-0 draw with Kuwait – they again propped up the group table. Playing in their third straight finals in China in 2004, Ivan Kolev's side broke new ground when they picked up their first victory in the final round with a 2-1 win over Qatar, thanks to a stunning strike by Ponaryo Astaman and a heroic display in goal by Hendro Kartiko. But once again, the Indonesians would fail to make it past the group stage as they were overrun 5-0 by China before slipping to an unfortunate 3-1 defeat to Bahrain in their final game. Kolev was replaced by former Thailand coach Peter Withe after the Asian Cup with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) hoping that the Englishman could turn their promising side into South East Asia's top team. Withe duly led his new charges to the Asean final in January 2005 with a memorable 4-1 victory against Malaysia but once again they failed to deliver when it mattered, going down 5-2 on aggregate in the final against Singapore. Hopes were high that Indonesia would finally capture the Asean crown earlier this year but despite not losing a match they failed to even make it past the group stage after only defeating Laos 3-1 and being held to draws by Vietnam and Singapore. Withe may not have been far off the mark with the view that his side had just been unlucky, but he paid for their failure with his job as Kolev was brought back to take charge of preparations for the Asian Cup. The Bulgarian knows the Indonesian squad well enough from his time as national coach and a subsequent spell in charge of Persipura Jayapura, and veterans like skipper Ponaryo and striker Bambang Pamungkas will be happy enough to see a familiar face leading them into another Asian Cup campaign. But while Indonesia can expect manic support from the local fans, it remains to be seen how far Kolev can take his side in a tough Group D that includes former champions Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic and 2004 Asian Cup semi-finalists Bahrain. |
