CHRISTIAN TAKES ADVANTAGE OF FUMBLE TO LEAD INDONESIA TO VICTORY

JAKARTA (Dec 16, 2010) – The atmosphere was simply awesome as over 80,000 excited fans packed the majestic Gelora Bung Karno today for the first leg semifinal showdown between Indonesia and the Philippines. And after 90 minutes, the fans went home thoroughly thrilled, and probably a little hoarse, by an intense battle that saw Indonesia claim a slender 1-0 win tonight.

All it took was one mistake from Filipino keeper Neil Etheridge and striker Christian Gonzalez took full advantage to sneak in the winner in the 32nd minute. Indonesia thus became the first team to inflict a defeat on the Philippines in this tournament. But more importantly, it’s a valuable lead going into the second leg here this Sunday.

Playing “home” was obviously no advantage for the Filipinos who found out for the first time what it was like to face a stadium full of passionate Indonesian fans. Still, the Philippines showed immense composure to contain their opponents and limit them to a one-goal win. Other teams including another semifinalist, Malaysia, were humbled at the Gelora Bung Karno during the group stage.

Indonesian coach Alfred Riedl admitted that he was surprised with the performance of their opponents tonight. “I’ve seen them play but I was a bit surprised today ... they were stronger than I expected. Today we saw why they are in the semifinals.”

But Riedl also said that he felt Indonesia was the rightful winner today. “It was a very important win but it’s not over yet. It’s going to be difficult on Sunday. It’s very difficult to win as they are tall, have a good defence and it’s hard to win challenges against them. But today, we deserved to win.”

Indonesia, fired up by the tremendous support, created several chances early in the game. Irfan Bachdim made a quick dash down the right then set up Oktavianus Maniani. But the speedy flanker’s cross sailed across the face of the goal with no takers. Christian’s close range shot in the 11th minute was saved by Neil. In the 20th minute, the Uruguayan, who now has Indonesian citizenship, created a great opportunity for his team to surge ahead but Oktavianus blew his shot way above the crossbar.

Then came the fumble in the 32nd minute when Neil failed to field the ball and Christian made good his header.

Indonesia had but a few chances after the break, so did the Philippines. But they had one really close call in the 76th minute when Philip Younghusband’s goal-bound overhead kick was cleared off the line by Zulkifli Syukur.

Philippines coach Simon McMenemy, who appears to be losing his voice, was pleased with the performance his players. “It was an incredible experience playing in front of 80,000 fans. I was really proud of them, they stuck to the gameplan,” he said. “But we made one mistake and they scored. He’s only 20 and is now in tears in the room feeling like he let us down. But he saved us many times, the thing is people tend to remember the mistakes.”

McMenemy explained that the slip-up happened when the goalkeeper and defenders could not hear other. “The sound was extremely loud, I’ve screamed myself hoarse just trying to communicate with the players.”

While the team was disappointed that they could not play their “home” match at home in the Philippines, the team has come away with invaluable experience facing the Indonesians here. “Our players will rarely ever get the chance to play in front of so many fans. Irrespective of the result, it was a priceless experience and the players will come away better. It was simply phenomenal out there.”

PHILIPPINES: Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge (GK), Robert James Dazo Gier, Anton Del Rosario, Roel Gener, James Joseph Younghusband, Philip James Younghusband, Alexander Borromeo (c), Jason De Jong, Christopher Greatwich, Ian Araneta (Emelio Caligdong (59th), Ray Anthony Pepito
Coach: Simon Alexander McMenemy
Goalscorers: nil
Yellow: Jason De Jong (90th)
Red: nil

INDONESIA:Markus Harison Rihihina (GK), Mohamad Nasuha (Beny Wahyudi, 85th), Zulkifli Syukur, Maman Abdurachman, Christian Gerard Alfaro Gonzalez, Oktavanius Maniani (Arif Suyono, 61st), Firman Utina (c), Irfan Haarys Bachdim (Bambang Pamungkas, 68th), Ahmad Bustomi, Muhammad Ridwan, Hamka Hamsah
Coach: Alfred Riedl
Goalscorers: Christian Gonzalez (32nd)
Yellow: Oktavanius Maniani (57th), Christian Gonzalez (60th)
Red: nil

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Moradi Masoud Hasanalo (Irn)
Assistant Referee 1: Aung Moe (Mya)
Assistant Referee 2: Kuong Ly (Cam)
Fourth Official: Virak Khoun (Cam)
Match Commissioner: Dato’ Yap Nyim Keong (Mas)
Referee Assessor: Mohd Rodzali Yaacob (Mas)
General Coordinator: U Tin Aung (Mya)