SINGAPORE (11 June 2015) – They cried each time Indonesia Raya was played. And each time they scored the players would grouped together to bow in reverence.
Indonesia – who are in effect playing in their last international tournament following the recent ban by FIFA – have shown to be a very passionate side, as do the undying support they received from the faithfuls at the stand.
And tonight Indonesia will be super motivated when they take on hosts Singapore in their final and decisive game of Group A as they look to extend their playing time by two more matches.
“It will all be down to motivation,” said Indonesian coach Aji Santoso.
“I expect the game to be very close with two teams playing similar style. But I believe that the team which is more motivated will win the game.
“We have been building great stride over the last few matches and I hope that we can deliver against Singapore to show to the people back home, that football in Indonesia is not as bad as some people think.”
Indonesia did not have the best of start in their first game in the group where following the announcement of the FIFA ban, it affected the psyche of the players as they folded to a 4-2 loss to Myanmar.
But they rebounded magnificently in their second game to thrash Cambodia 6-1 and then edged the Philippines 2-0.
Currently, Indonesia will be battling Singapore for the remaining slot from Group A for a place into the semi-finals of the meet.
Indonesia are on second while Singapore are third but with the same points collected from three matches played.
“I know that a draw will be good enough but we will be out for a win,” added Aji.
“This could well be our last match. That is the motivation for the players to make sure that it is not.”
FIXTURES – 11 June 2015
At Bishan Stadium
2030 – Laos vs Malaysia
At Jalan Besar Stadium
2030 – Singapore vs Indonesia
GROUP A CURRENT STANDINGS
| No. | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | MYANMAR | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 10 |
| 2 | INDONESIA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 6 |
| 3 | SINGAPORE | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 4 | CAMBODIA | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 13 | −5 | 4 |
| 5 | PHILIPPINES | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 11 | −9 | 0 |
* Team in bold already in semi-finals
