Indonesia takes RP’s “home game” 1-nil

Indonesia takes RP’s “home game” 1-nil

This story appears in the Friday December 17, 2010 edition of the Business Mirror. 
Story and pic by rick olivares

JAKARTA, INDONESIA -- Christian Gonzales, Indonesia’s naturalized Uruguayan striker, beat three Filipinos to a well-placed cross by Mohammad Nasuha to head home a high arcing shot from a difficult angle for a 1-nil win over the Philippines in the semifinals of the 2010 Suzuki Cup at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Gonzales’ 31^st minute goal was his second of the ongoing tournament and gives Indonesia a one goal lead in the semifinal affair where the aggregate goals leader will move on to the finals.

The Merah Putih, playing in front of a crowd of 75,000 that included Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, closed down the spaces for the Filipinos who had a difficult time sending the ball through the gaps for possible strikes. By taking the “home field” win from the Philippines, Indonesia has taken the full three points for every game they’ve played for a total of 12 points.

“It is an advantage to be able to play an “away game” at home,” said Indonesia head coach Alfred Riedl who is in his first year with the Merah Putih. Another win and Indonesia will have a chance to win its first Suzuki Cup in four tries.

After the halftime break, Indonesia had total control of the midfield as Oktovianus Maniani and Irfan Bachdim set up numerous chances for teammates like Tony Sucipto who went one on one with Philippine keeper Neil Etheridge but defender Ray Jonsson was able to chase the Indonesian and tap the ball away.

The Philippines had an opportunity to draw first blood early in the first half as Phil Younghusband’s volley nearly beat keeper Markus Rihihina who was able to deflect the ball out of harm’s way.

James Younghusband nearly scored the equalizer in the 79^th minute when his chip beat Rihihini but defender Maman Abdurachman was able to head it out before the ball could cross the line.

With the Philippines unable to mount any semblance of attack, Indonesia was able to send an extra attacker in a 3-3-4 formation that caused havoc in the Philippines’ defensive end.

On the other end, Philippine head coach Simon McMenemy sent in Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong for the ineffective Ian Araneta early in the second half.

McMenemy started Roel Gener in place of Caligdong in the right wing in order to try and shut down Indonesia, but the home side imposed their will on the Philippines’ midfield as they shut down Chris Greatwich and James Younghusband. 

The Merah Putih had six shots on goal to the Philippines’ four while they had three corner shots to the Azkals’ lone attempt.

James Younghusband, Jason de Jong, Maniani, and Gonzales were given yellow cards.