CHRISTIAN SCORES AGAIN TO LEAD INDONESIA INTO THE FINAL

For the Indonesian team, the victory in front of almost 100,000 fans today meant that they would receive USD 250,000 for making the final. Should they defeat Malaysia in the two-leg final, the will receive a further USD 300,000 from the PSSI. The first leg final is scheduled to be held in Malaysia on Dec 26 while the return leg in Jakarta will be held on Dec 29.

Despite slipping up tonight, the Philippines, who were reduced to 10-men in the 87th minute when striker Christopher picked up a second booking, gave a good account of themselves and fought to the very end. In fact, the Filipinos created several chances in the later stages of the game but were unable to convert their chances into goals. Still, the Philippines had performed remarkably and created history by making it this far in the tournament.

Tonight, in the presence of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Indonesians did not waste time trying to get the goals. After only 12 minutes, Gonzalez, who partnered Yongki instead of the slightly injured Irfan Bachdim, managed to sneak through two defenders but was stopped by Neil Etheridge.

Gonzalez’s header was caught by Etheridge in the 21st minute but it was the miss in the next minute that the striker would have been really sore about. Gonzalez should have scored but missed a close range strike.

Nippy flanker Oktavianus Maniani and Mohd Ridhwan had their shots at goal but they too failed to hit the target. With two minutes to go, Gonzales sealed the winner with a superb left-footed strike from the top of the box. The solid shot sailed beyond the reach of Etheridge and slammed into the top corner.

The second half just as much action with Gonzalez and Yongki ably supported by Muhammed Ridhwan and skipper Firman Utina. In fact, it was Firman who was the director, controlling play and setting up his teammates. The immense pressure on Firman showed when the star player broke down in tears soon after the match was concluded.

“On behalf of my teammates, I want to thank the people of Indonesia for their tremendous support. I also want to thank the media, but I would like to explain that we were reluctant to give interviews as we were focussed on preparing for the game.”

Coach Alfred Riedl meanwhile said that the match was not over. “Why should I smile now, it’s not over yet as we have two more games to go,” Riedl reacted to some media who asked him to smile as he walked into the room for the Post Match Conference.

He added that it had been a tough game for his boys. “I am very proud of them. It was not easy playing against them. As I said they are like a European team where they are taller and bigger than our boys. It was difficult.”

For Philippines coach Simon McMenemy, it had been an unforgettable experience for him and the team. “The fans were amazing, the experience the team had was also amazing. We had some chances tonight. It is fantastic that we have come this far, you would be surprised at what it took for us to get here,” Simon said.

The final matches of the AFF Suzuki Cup will be played in Kuala Lumpur on 26 Dec 2010 with the return tie three days later in Jakarta.

AFF SUZUKI CUP 2010, SEMI-FINALS FIXTURES and RESULTS

First-leg – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM, KUALA LUMPUR)

15 Dec MALAYSIA 2 VIETNAM 0

First-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)

16 Dec PHILIPPINES 0 INDONESIA 1

Second-leg – Hanoi, Vietnam (MY DINH NATIONAL STADIUM, HANOI)

18 Dec VIETNAM 0 MALAYSIA 0 (MALAYSIA win on 2-0 aggregate)

Second-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)

19 Dec INDONESIA 1 PHILIPPINES 0 (INDONESIA win on 2-0 aggregate)

AFF SUZUKI CUP 2010, FINALS FIXTURES

First-leg – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM, KUALA LUMPUR)

26 Dec Malaysia vs Indonesia (2000hrs)

Second-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)

29 Dec Indonesia vs Malaysia (2000hrs)