Kronologi Final Sepak Bola Thailand 1 - 0 Indonesia

INDONESIA UPDATED. Thailand menjuarai SEA Games 2013 setelah mengalahkan Indonesia 1-0 pada partai final cabang sepak bola putra di Stadion Zayyarthiri, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12/2013). Sarawut Masuk menjadi pahlawan Negeri Gajah Putih lewat gol cantiknya pada menit ke-22.

Dengan demikian, Thailand menyabet medali emas turnamen dua tahunan antara negara-negara Asia Tenggara ini dan Indonesia harus puas menyabet medali perak. Perunggu sepak bola diraih Singapura, yang pada laga perebutan medali ini menang 2-1 atas Malaysia.

Sejak awal pertandingan, Thailand, yang mengalahkan Indonesia 4-1 pada babak penyisihan Grup B, langsung mengambil inisiatif menyerang.  Menit kedelapan, pasukan besutan Kiatisuk Senamuang ini sudah memberikan ancaman serius. Melalui kerja sama dari sektor tengah, bola diumpan kepada Pokklaw Anan yang melakukan gocekan sebelum melepaskan tendangan terarah ke pojok kiri gawang. Beruntung Kurnia Meiga sigap menepisnya.

Indonesia memberikan respon yang bagus. Pada menit ke-12, Ramdani Lestaluhu mendapatkan peluang. Meloloskan diri dari kawalan pemain belakang Thailand, Ramdani melepaskan tendangan dari luar kotak penalti. Tetapi si kulit bundar mengarah tepat ke penjaga gawang Kawin Thammasatchanan. Ini merupakan peluang pertama pasukan Garuda Muda.

Thailand terus mendominasi pertandingan. Pada menit ke-19, tim Negeri Gajah Putih ini kembali memberikan tekanan lewat tedangan pojok. Kurnia Meiga tampil sangat cemerlang mengantisipasi bola tendangan sudut yang mengarah ke tiang jauh, karena tangkapannya lengket.

Namun pada menit ke-22, gawang Indonesia jebol lewat sebuah serangan balik Thailand. Sarawut Masuk dengan cerdik memanfaatkan peluangnya ketika menyambut umpan terobosan Thitiphan Puangchan. Setelah mengontrol bola, Sarawut menchip bola untuk memperdaya Kurnia Meiga yang maju untuk menutup pergerakannya. 1-0 untuk Thailand.

Meskipun telah berusaha keras, Indonesia kesulitan menembus pertahanan Thailand, yang bermain sangat rapi dalam laga ini. Bahkan, mereka nyaris menempatkan semua pemainnya di depan kotak penalti ketika kehilangan bola, sehingga Bayu Gatra dan kawan-kawan tak mendapatkan celah untuk menembus kotak penalti.

Sebaliknya, Thailand langsung menebarkan ancaman ketika menguasai bola. Serangan balik Pokklaw dan kawan-kawan patut diwaspadai barisan belakang Indonesia yang digalang Alfin Tuasalamony, Mokhamad Syaifuddin, Manahati Lestusen dan Diego Michiels. Sampai turun minum, skor tetap 1-0 untuk Thailand.

Di awal babak kedua, Indonesia mencoba untuk mengambil kendali permainan. Tetapi lagi-lagi Garuda Muda sulit meruntuhkan tembok pertahanan Thailand, yang masih sangat kokoh untuk ditembus.

Menit ke-60, Indonesia mendapatkan peluang lewat tendangan bebas di depan kotak penalti, menyusul pelanggaran terhadap Fandi Eko Utomo. Tetapi eksekusi Andri Ibo, yang masuk menggantikan Manahati, tak sempurna karena bola tendangannya membentur pagar hidup Thailand.

Indonesia terus memberikan tekanan dan mendapatkan peluang terbaik diperoleh pada menit ke-75 ketika terjadi kemelut di mulut gawang Thailand. Sayang, Ramdani tak sempurna mengeksekusi bola liar. Sempat salah menendang bola sundulan dari pemain belakang Thailand, Ramdani kembali mendapatkan kesempatan lewat tendangan sambil membelakangi gawang. Tetapi si kulit bundar melebar tipis di sisi kiri gawang Kawin.

Di sisa pertandingan, Indonesia terus menggempur pertahanan Thailand, yang selama paruh kedua nyaris tak memberikan ancaman serius ke gawang Kurnia Meiga. Tetapi berbagai upaya tim besutan Rahmad Darmawan ini tak kunjung membuahkan hasil terbaik untuk menyamakan skor, sehingga Garuda Muda harus mengakui keunggulan Thailand dengan skor tipis 1-0.

Dengan demikian, Thailand berhak menyabet medali emas SEA Games ke-27 dan Indonesia kembali harus menelan kekecewaan karena hanya mampu meraih medali perak seperti dua tahun lalu di Palembang. Impian mengulangi kesuksesan 22 tahun silam ketika meraih medali emas harus tertunda.

Susunan pemain

Indonesia: 1-Kurnia Meiga; 26-Alfin Tuasalamony, 29-Mokhamad Syaifuddin, 13-Manahati Lestusen (Andri Ibo 57), 24-Diego Michiels; 11-Dedi Kusnandar, 4-Rizky Pellu (Dendi Santoso 81); 23-Bayu Gatra Sanggiawan, 7-Rizki Ramdani Lestaluhu; 22-Fandi Eko Utomo, 9-Yandi Sofyan Munawar (Ferinando Pahabol 69')
Pelatih: Rahmad Darmawan

Thailand: 26-Kawin Thammasatchanan; 15-Pravinwat Boonyong, 4-Sakolwat Skollah, 3-Theeraton Bunmathan; 24-Krirkrit Thaweekarn, 12-Charyl Champpuis, 10-Pokklaw Anan, 30-Sarawut Masuk (Kesarat 87'), 7-Thitiphan Puangchan; 9-Adisak Kraisorn
Pelatih: Kiatisuk Senamuang
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Skor 0-1, Indonesia Gagal Sumbangkan Emas

INDONESIA UPDATED. Harapan menambah medali emas Sea Games 2013 dari cabang sepak bola dipastikan gagal, setelah tim nasional Indonesia tumbang dari Thailand 0-1, dalam pertandingan final yang digelar di Zeyar Thiri Sports Stadium, Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sabtu.

Dengan hasil ini Tim Garuda Muda harus puas dengan medali perak seperti yang didapat pada SEA Games 2011 di Jakarta dan memperpanjang catatan buruk tidak pernah meraih emas sejak SEA Games 1991 di Manila.

Untuk medali perunggu SEA Games 2013 direbut oleh Timnas Singapura setelah dipertadingan perebutan ketiga mengalahkan Malaysia dengan skor 2-1.

Anak asuh Rahmad Darmawan mengambil berinisiatif melakukan tekanan terlebih dahulu ke pertahanan Thailand sejak awal babak pertama.

Fandi Eko Utomo dan kawan-kawan berusaha menguasai lini tengah demi melancarkan umpan-umpan terobosan yang mengarah ke gawang lawan yang dikawal oleh Kawin Thamsachanan.

Namun, Thailand juga tidak mau ketinggalan. Berbekal kondisi pemain yang lebih bugar, anak asuh Kiattisak Senamuang ini menerapkan pola permainan cepat kombinasi dari tengah menuju sayap. Gawang Kurnia Meiga beberapa kali terancam.

Penjaga gawang Arema Indonesia itu cukup piawai dalam menghadang bola. Namun, pada menit 21 Kurnia Meiga harus memungut bola dari gawangnya sendiri setelah pemain Thailand, Sarawut Masuk melesatkan tendangan ke gawang Timnas Indonesia.

Kondisi tertinggal 0-1 anak asuh Rahmad Darmawan langsung meningkatkan tempo pemainan. Bahkan pemain belakang Diego Michiels juga membantu dalam penyerangan. Namun, upayanya belum membuahkan hasil.

Tekanan demi tekanan sebenarnya terus dilakukan. Hanya saja, serangan selalu dipatahkan oleh barisan pertahanan Thailand yang dimotori Praweenwat Boon Yong. Kondisi tertinggal 0-1 bertahan hingga pertama usai.

Memasuki babak kedua Timnas Indonesia tidak henti-hentinya melakukan tekanan. Namun, Thailand juga tidak tinggal diam. Tim Negeri Gajah Putih itu tidak memberikan kesempatan Indonesia untuk berkembang.

Kesulitan menerobos pertahanan lawan membuat pemain Indonesia emosi. Bahkan dalam waktu yang bersamaan dua pemain Tim Garuda Muda yaitu Dedi Kusnandar dan Alfin Tuasalamony mendapatkan kartu kuning dari wasit.

Masuknya Ferinando Pahabol menggantikan Yandi Sofyan mengubah ritme permainan. Beberapa serangan juga langsung mengarah ke gawang Thailand meski belum mampu menyamakan kedudukan.

Demi meningkatkan daya serang, Rahmad Darmawan memasukkan Dendi Santoso untuk menggantika Rizky Pellu yang mulai kekelahan. Masuknya pemain Arema Indonesia membuat daya serang meningkat. Peluangpun banyak didapat. Hanya saja hingga peluit panjang tanda pertandingan usai ditiup wasit kedudukan tetap 0-1 untuk kemenangan Thailand.

Thailand Siapkan Gol Cepat & Penalti Untuk Gulung Indonesia

INDONESIA UPDATED. Thailand optimis bisa mengalahkan Indonesia di laga final SEA Games 2013, Sabtu (21/12) malam waktu Myanmar. Pelatih Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang, bahkan mengaku kalau skuad asuhannya sudah berlatih adu penalti demi final di Zeyar Thiri Stadium.

"Kami akan terus menekan pertahanan mereka dan mengandalkan kecepatan untuk membongkar pertahanan. Fisik mereka pasti tidak lebih baik dibanding kami karena Indonesia harus bermain lewat adu penalti untuk menundukkan Malaysia," sahut Kiatisuk. 

"Babak penalti? Tidak masalah. Sebenarnya kami sudah mempersiapkan diri selama sebulan untuk menghadapi penalti di Chiang Mai."

Thailand merasa percaya diri karena di fase grup sempat mengalahkan skuad U-23, 4-1. Pelatih yang akrab disapa "Zico dari Thailand" itu memprediksi kalau pemain Thailand akan bisa kembali menciptakan gol cepat seperti saat menaklukkan Indonesia.

"Thailand akan bermain dengan gayanya sendiri," kata Kiatisuk. "Kami harap bisa mencetak gol cepat agar bisa memenangkan pertandingan dengan mudah. Saya yakin tim ini bisa menundukkan Indonesia di 90 menit."
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Skuad Indonesia Dalam Momentum Kebangkitan

INDONESIA UPDATED. Pasca mengkandaskan Malaysia di semifinal Sea Games 2013 Myanmar, Timnas Indonesia U23 akan kembali berhadapan dengan Thailand di partai final. Kedua tim sempat bertemu di babak penyisihan, dimana ketika itu Garuda Muda kalah 1-4 dari Gajah Putih.

Jika Indonesia lolos ke final setelah membungkam Malaysia, sementara itu Thailand lolos ke final setelah dipertandingan semifinal mengalahkan Timnas Singapura dengan skor tipis 1-0.

Menghadapi Thailand bukan perkara mudah bagi pelatih Indonesia, Rahmad Darmawan (RD). Kendati demikian pelatih ia mengaku optimistis anak asuhnya mampu bermain maksimal.

"Thailand merupakan tim kuat dan telah menganut sepak bola modern, kita juga sudah bertemu sebelumnya. Sekarang tinggal bagaimana kita untuk meraih yang terbaik," ungkap RD seusai pertandingan menghadapi Malaysia.

Sementara itu pelatih Timnas Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang mewaspadai kebangkitan Batu Gatra Cs. Indonesia menurut Kiatisuk, merupakan tim yang terus menanjak setelah mengalahkan tuan rumah Myanmar dan Malaysia.

Namun di luar itu semua, final sepak bola SEA Games XXVII antara Indonesia vs Thailand (Sabtu, 21/12/13) menyimpan cerita menarik dari kedua tim. Pasalnya laga itu akan menjadi pertarungan antara mantan polisi dan marinir.

Seperti yang diketahui jika RD sebagai pelatih, merupakan anggota Marinir aktif TNI Angkatan Laut. Dirinya sukses menjadi salah satu pelatih papan atas Indonesia, setelah menangani klub-klub besar nasional.

Jika RD adalah anggota marinir, sementara pelatih Kiatisuk Senamuang merupakan mantan anggota kepolisian Thailand, Royal Thai Police. Kiatisuk berkarier di sepak bola antara tahun 1989 hingga 2007.

Sejak 2013, Kiatisuk menjadi pejabat pelatih Tim Nasional Thailand menggantikan Winfried Schaefer. Dalam sebuah pertandingan persahabatan, dia berhasil membawa timnas Thailand menggilas Cina 5-1 pada Juni 2013.

Disisi lain, Timnas Indonesia U-23 siap memenuhi target yang ditetapkan yaitu merebut medali emas sepak bola pesta olahraga terbesar di Asia Tenggara, SEA Games 2013 Myanmar.

Peluang untuk meraih emas ini cukup terbuka karena hanya menyisakan satu pertandingan melawan Thailand pada final SEA Games 2013 di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12).

"Mereka (pemain) punya keinginan kuat untuk memenangi pertandingan. Pertandingan nanti bukan hanya masalah teknik dan strategi, tapi juga mental," kata pelatih Timnas Indonesia U-23, Rahmad Darmawan, setelah  memimpin latihan di lapangan Wunna Theikdi, Jumat (20/12).

Demi meraih target yang telah ditetapkan, pelatih Rahmad Darmawan telah menyiapkan formasi terbaik. Bahkan, pelatih yang akrab dipanggil RD ini juga telah mengetahui kekuatan dan kelemahan calon lawan.

Secara statistik, Timnas Indonesia kurang beruntung jika berhadapan dengan Thailand. Dari 17 kali pertemuan sejak 1977, Thailand menang sebanyak 12 kali dan Indonesia hanya satu kali menang.

Salah satu kekalahan yang didapat Timnas Garuda adalah saat menjalani pertandingan penyisihan Grup B SEA Games 2013 Myanmar. Saat itu Alfin Tuasalamony dan kawan-kawan harus mengakui keunggulan Tim Gajah Putih itu dengan skor 1-4.

"Thailand merupakan tim kuat dan telah menganut sepak bola modern. Kita juga sudah bertemu sebelumnya. Sekarang tinggal bagaimana kita untuk meraih yang terbaik," kata Rahmad Darmawan.

Saat menghadapi anak asuh Kiatisuk Senamuang di partai final, kemungkinan besar Rahmad Darmawan akan memperkuat lini tengah Tim Garuda Muda itu dengan skema 4-5-1 atau hanya menyiapkan satu penyerang.

Hal ini dilakukan untuk menghalau serangan dari pemain Thailand yang terkenal dengan memiliki kecepatan dan keterampilan individu yang mampuni. Selain itu lawan selama ini sudah haus akan emas SEA Games.

Sebelumnya pelatih Timnas Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang mengatakan untuk menghadapi Indonesia pada partai puncak bukan perkara mudah meski di pertandingan penyisihan mampu dikalahkan.

"Indonesia tim yang kuat, terbukti mampu ke final. Sebelumnya juga mengalahkan tuan rumah Myanmar dan Malaysia," katanya.

Thailand melangkah ke final SEA Games 2013 setelah di semifinal mengalahkan Singapura di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Kamis (19/12) dengan skor tipis 1-0.
 

RD: Final Saja Nggak Cukup! (Video)

INDONESIA UPDATED. Medali emas sudah ada di depan mata. Pantang bagi tim nasional sepak bola Indonesia tidak membawa pulang juara ke Tanah Air. Garuda Muda pun bertekad terbang tinggi pada partai final SEA Games 2013 melawan Thailand di Stadion Zeyar Thiri, Sabtu (21/12) malam.
 
Timnas U-23 melenggang ke final dengan mendepak Malaysia melalui babak adu penalti. Namun, Andik Vermansah dan kawan-kawan tak punya waktu lama untuk bersenang-senang. Mereka harus segera melanjutkan perjuangan untuk mengakhiri 22 tahun puasa emas Indonesia dalam cabang sepak bola SEA Games.

Simak video cuplikan pertandingan Indonesia vs Malaysia dan Thailand vs Singapore:




Pelatih Timnas U-23 Rahmad Darmawan menyadari masyarakat Indonesia tak hanya berharap tim asuhnya melangkah ke final, tapi juga dituntut menjadi juara. "Final saja tidak cukup,” kata Rahmad di Naypyitaw, Jumat (20/12).

Juru taktik yang akrab disapa RD itu sama sekali tak gentar meskipun akan melawan tim yang pernah mengalahkan Indonesia di fase grup dengan skor telak 1-4. Ia cukup optimistis bisa membalaskan kekalahan itu.

RD sudah mempelajari gaya permainan tim berjuluk Gajah Putih itu. Thailand diakuinya memiliki transisi permainan yang cepat dari bertahan ke menyerang. Berkaca dari pertemuan pertama melawan Thailand, Kamis (12/12), RD kini meminta anak asuhnya tak lagi bermain terbuka.
republika.com

Performa K Meiga Menembus Final

INDONESIA UPDATED. Penampilan cemerlang, penjaga gawang Kurnia Meiga (K Meiga), dalam drama adu penalti mengantarkan Timnas Indonesia U-23 melaju ke pertandingan final cabang olahraga sepak bola SEA Games XXVII.

Timnas Indonesia U-23 mengalahkan Malaysia U-23 1-1 (4-3) dalam pertandingan semifinal di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Kamis (19/12/2013).

Skuat Garuda Muda mencetak gol pembuka melalui Bayu Gatra pada menit ke-30. Harimau Muda Malaya kemudian menyamakan kedudukan, setelah Thamil Arasu Ambumamee mencetak gol pada menit ke-85. Pertandingan dilanjutkan ke babak perpanjang waktu. Sayang, belum ada gol tercipta dalam pertandingan 2X15 menit.

Pertandingan dilanjutkan ke tendangan adu penalti. Penjaga gawang Indonesia U-23, Kurnia Meiga tampil gemilang. Dia mengagalkan dua tendangan penalti pemain Malaysia, yaitu Thamil Arasu Ambumamee dan Shahrul Mohd Saad.

Sementara, tiga penendang Malaysia lainnya, yaitu Muhamad Nazmi Faiz bin Mansor, Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas, dan Mohd Rozaimi bin Abdul Rahman mampu mengeksekusi bola dengan baik.

Sedangkan Indonesia, 2 eksekutor pertama, yaitu Alfin Ismail Tuasalamony dan Diego Michiels berhasil mencetak gol ke gawang Mohd Izham Tarmizi Roslan. Indonesia memang sempat gagal saat  tendangan Manahati Lestusen bola masih  melambung di atas gawang.

Namun, Yandi Sofyan selaku penendang keempat menyelesaikan tugas dengan baik. Penendang terakhir, Ferinando Pahabol mampu dengan tenang menceploskan bola ke gawang Malaysia. Indonesia pun melaju ke partai final.

Timnas Indonesia U-23 menunggu pemenang di pertandingan semifinal lainnya antara Thailand menghadapi Singapura di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Kamis (19/12/2013). Pertandingan final dilangsungkan di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12/2013).

Susunan Pemain:
Indonesia: Kurnia Meiga, Manahati Lestusen, Syaifuddin, Diego Michiels, Alfin Tuasalamony, Egi Melgiansyah (Nelson Alom 46), Rizky Pellu (Andik Vermansah 77/Feri Pahabol 102), Ramdani Lestaluhu, Bayu Gatra, Fandi Eko Utomo, Yandi Sofyan
Pelatih: Rahmad Darmawan

Malaysia: Izham Tarmizi, Zubir Azmi, Fadhli Shas, Shahrul Saad, Azrif Nasrulhaq, Nasir Basharuddin (Nazmi Faiz bin Mansor 46), Nazirul Naim Che Hashim (Rozaimi bin Abdul Rahman 46), D Saarvindran, Irfan Fazail, Hazwan Bakri, Thamil Arasu Ambumamee
Pelatih: Datuk Ong Kim Swee

RD: Timnas Indonesia Beruntung

INDONESIA UPDATED. Coach Timnas U-23 Indonesia Rahmad Darmawan (RD) menilai anak asuhnya lebih beruntung dibandingkan Malaysia sehingga meraih kemenangan di semifinal SEA Games 2013 di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Kamis.

"Pertandingan tadi bukan hanya masalah teknik dan strategi. Tapi masalah mental. Pemain kita lebih kuat dan beruntung," kata Rahmad Darmawan usai pertandingan.

Pertandingan antara Garuda Muda melawan Harimau Malaya bisa dikatakan sebagai partai yang sarat dengan gengsi. Selama ini Malaysia dinilai sebagai batu sandungan bagi Indonesia untuk meraih hasil maksimal.

Pada semifinal SEA Games 2013 pelan tapi pasti Alfin Tuasalamony dan kawan-kawan mulai menunjukkan performa terbaik sehingga tinggal selangkah lagi untuk meraih emas kejuaraan olahraga terbesar di Asia Tenggara ini.

"Saya katakan ke pemain jika kita harus maksimal hingga 90 menit bahkan 120 menit. Mereka ternyata bisa. Mental adalah salah satu kuncinya," katanya menambahkan.

Pria yang akrab dipanggil RD mengaku sangat bersyukur dengan raihan timnas saat ini. Namun, pihaknya meminta kepada semua pemain untuk segera mempersiapkan diri untuk menghadapi laga final di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Sabtu (21/12).

Ditanya kekuatan Harimau Malaya, mantan pelatih Arema Indonesia itu mengaku jika anak asuh Ong Kim Swee itu adalah tim yang kuat. Sesuai dengan prediksi sebelumnya, Malaysia meningkatkan tempo serangan menjelang akhir pertandingan.

"Malaysia terus menekan dan akhirnya mampu menyamakan kedudukan. Kami terus meminta kepada pemain untuk tetap tenang. Dan inilah hasilnya (final)," kata pria kelahiran Metro Lampung itu.

Demi memenuhi target yang dibebankan yaitu merebut emas, RD mengaku akan segera menyiapkan tim terbaik. Namun, sebelumnya akan memberikan kesempatan kepada semua pemain untuk recovery demi mengembalikan kebugaran.

Sementara itu pelatih Timnas Malaysia Ong Kim Swee menilai Timnas Indonesia adalah tim yang kuat. Apalagi dipertandingan penentuan mampu mengalahkan tuan rumah Myanmar yang sebelumnya bermain perkasa.

"Indonesia bisa mengalahkan Myanmar. Yang kami telah berusaha memberikan yang terbaik," katanya usai pertandingan.

Dengan mampu mengalahkan Malaysia, Timnas Indonesia mampu memutuskan mimpi buruk SEA Games 2011 lalu. Saat itu Tim Garuda Muda harus menyerah juga dengan adu penalti.
antara.com
 
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Rangkaian Strategi RD Antar Timnas di SEA Games 2013

INDONESIA UPDATED. Indonesia U-23 telah memastikan diri lolos ke babak semi-final SEA Games 2013. Bisa dibilang, lolosnya skuat yang dilatih Rahmad Darmawan itu juga dinaungi faktor keberuntungan.

Bagaimana tidak, setelah sempat merasa pesimistis dengan peluang untuk lolos lantaran kalah dalam selisih gol dari Myanmar, pada akhirnya semangat para penggawa Garuda Muda kembali membubung setelah mengetahui bahwa penentuan untuk lolos adalah dengan sistem head-to-head.

Seperti diketahui, sebelum laga melawan Myanmar, Timnas U-23 baru mengoleksi poin empat dengan selisih gol minus dua. Sebaliknya, tim tuan rumah yang berada di peringkat kedua surplus lima gol dengan poin tujuh.

Jika penentuannya menggunakan sistem selisih gol lebih dulu, maka Rizki Ramdani Lestaluhu dan kawan-kawan harus menang atas Myanmar dengan margin minimal empat gol. Jelas, itu merupakan tugas yang berat, meski kemungkinan terjadi tetap ada, mengingat performa apik yang ditampilkan Kyaw Ko Ko dan kawan-kawan dalam tiga pertandingan sebelumnya.

Namun, jika penentuannya menggunakan sistem head to head, yang dilihat adalah hasil dari pertandingan saat kedua tim bentrok. Praktis, dengan sistem ini Timnas U-23 hanya butuh menang atas Myanmar - berapapun skornya. Sedangkan Myanmar hanya butuh hasil imbang.

Pada kenyataannya, Garuda Muda mampu menang tipis 1-0 atas Myanmar lewat gol dari titik penalti yang dieksekusi dengan sempurna oleh Alfin Ismail Tuasalamony pada menit ke-36. Apakah gol penalti itu masuk dalam hitungan keberuntungan?

Oke, kalau memang ada yang menganggap itu keberuntungan. Sah-sah saja. Tapi perlu diingat pula, gol tersebut tercipta hasil permainan di lapangan. Artinya, strategi yang diterapkan RD plus implementasi para pemain di lapangan yang baik dalam menerjemahkan instruksi pelatih, membuat situasi itu bisa terjadi.

Pada pertandingan itu, RD melakukan sebuah perubahan taktik yang cukup radikal dari tiga laga sebelumnya. Ya, dari tiga laga melawan Kamboja, Thailand, dan Timor Leste, pelatih berusia 47 tahun itu menerapkan pola 4-2-3-1. Tapi ketika menghadapi Myanmar di laga terakhir, RD menerapkan skema 4-4-2. Di bawah mistar gawang ada Andritany Ardhiyasa, yang tampil cukup tenang pada laga itu. Untuk lini belakang, empat yang diandalkan adalah Alfin, Manahati Lestusen, Mokhammad Syaifuddin, dan Diego Robbie Michiels.

Selanjutnya, Rizky Pellu dan Dedi Kusnandar diduetkan sebagai gelandang jangkar. Sementara Rizki Ramdani Lestaluhu dan Bayu Gatra diinstruksikan untuk bermain menusuk lewat sayap. RD pun memainkan secara bersamaan dua strikernya di laga itu; Yandi Sofyan Munawar dan Fandi Eko Utomo. Tentu saja, itu supaya bisa memberikan tekanan lebih terhadap lini pertahanan skuat yang dilatih Park Sung-hwa.

Dalam aplikasinya, transisi skema pun terjadi ketika menyerang menjadi 3-5-2. Dedi Kusnandar sedikit ditarik ke belakang, serta dua full back Alfin dan Diego naik membantu penyerangan. Daya jelajah yang cukup tinggi dari Rizky Pellu mampu menjadi penetralisir di lini tengah ketika menyerang maupun saat diserang. Di samping itu, para pemain juga bermain cukup disiplin dan tenang. Strategi ini pun bisa dibilang sukses untuk membuat para pemain Myanmar tertekan.

Selain itu, pergantian pemain cukup tepat dilakukan RD dalam laga tersebut. Andik Vermansah dimasukkan pada menit ke-63 untuk menggantikan posisi Ramdani. Kemudian, pada menit ke-83 RD menggantikan Yandi dengan Egi Melgiansyah supaya tim lebih kuat dalam bertahan.

Sayang, meski serangan yang dilakukan para pemain Indonesia cukup bervariasi baik dari sisi sayap maupun tengah, namun penyelesaian akhir masih menjadi kendala. Tim juga masih sedikit lengah ketika terjadi eksekusi bola-bola mati yang  dilakukan oleh para pemain Myanmar. Ketika terjadi tendangan bebas terlihat beberapa kali para pemain Myanmar mampu lepas dari pengawasan pemain. Beruntung, mereka gagal memanfaatkan peluang tersebut.

Bertemu Malaysia
Berbagai kelemahan tersebut harus segera dibenahi oleh para penggawa Garuda Muda. Pasalnya, pada laga semi-final 19 Desember nanti mereka akan bertemu Malaysia. Malaysia lolos ke semi-final dengan status juara grup A, setelah menang tipis 2-1 atas Vietnam, Selasa (17/12) kemarin.

Kemenangan Malaysia atas Vietnam juga patut dicermati. Hasil itu juga merupakan buah kecerdikan dari pelatih Ong Kim Swee yang menerapkan strategi serangan balik akibat kondisi beberapa pemainnya tidak fit 100 persen.

Para pemain tim Harimau Muda pun bermain sangat efektif. Mereka mampu mencetak dua gol lewat skema serangan balik yang cermat. Sementara Vietnam yang tampil menyerang sepanjang pertandingan, dibuat frustasi dan baru bisa mencetak gol pada menit ke-90+4 melalui kaki Hoang Thien Le.

Dengan kata lain, para pemain Malaysia juga mampu tampil disiplin dan secara organisasi permainan juga baik. Selain itu, Timnas U-23 juga harus menyiapkan mental untuk mengantisipasi terjadinya penentuan melalui adu penalti. Mengingat pada final SEA Games 2011 Andik Vermansah dan kawan-kawan takluk lewat adu penalti dari Malaysia dengan skor 5-4.
 
Dari segi recovery, Timnas U-23 sedikit diuntungkan lantaran memiliki waktu istirahat dua hari jelang semi-final. Sedangkan Malaysia hanya satu hari. Namun, Malaysia diuntungkan dari segi pengenalan kondisi lapangan lantaran sudah menjalani empat laga grup A di Zayarthiri Stadium, Nay Pyi Taw, yang menjadi lokasi laga empat besar.

Menarik menunggu laga kedua tim yang bakal sarat gengsi dan emosi. Timnas U-23 diperkirakan tetap akan mencoba mengambil inisiatif menekan lebih dulu. Sementara Malaysia, yang masih dilanda kelelahan bakal memainkan strategi seperti ketika menaklukkan Vietnam. Yang akan menjadi kunci pada laga nanti adalah ketenangan dan kedisiplinan para pemain dari kedua tim.
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Malaysia Suffer Penalty Shoot-Out Heartbreak

INDONESIA UPDATED. The Young Garudas avenged for their 2011 SEA Games defeat by inflicting misery upon Malaysia on penalties and thus, booking their spot in the finals of this year's SEA Games

Indonesia consistently pressed through the flanks, with Bayu being a real threat with a pace and trickery. However, the first real chance of the game fell to Malaysia on the 10th minute.

Hazwan Bakri showed great awareness to work his way past two Indonesian defenders before feeding Thamil Arasu with a delicious through ball. But the towering forward could only launch a weak shot on goal, which was easily picked up by the Indonesian goalie.

10 minutes later, it was Yandi Munawar's turn to test the Malaysian defence's resolve, as he unleashed a long range shot, which skimmed the top of the bar. A bit more accuracy and Malaysia could have gone down there. From this point, Indonesia began to slowly assert themselves into the game.

They began to build play from deep inside their half with some much of patience, and it finally paid off on the 30th minute mark. Bayu Gatra, who consistently tormented the Malaysian defence, played an intelligent one-two with Fandi Eko, before firing past Izham to give Indonesia the lead. A brilliant piece of play which ultimately led to a pivotal goal for Indonesia, as Ong Kim Swee looked frustrated on the sidelines.

Just when you expected Malaysia to bounce back and start pushing on the offensive, Indonesia came so close to actually doubling their lead just minutes later, as Yandi Munawar's dipping shot clattered against the bar, to the relief of Malaysia's defence.

As the game edged towards half time, Fadhli Shas was presented with a glorious opportunity to equalize for Malaysia, but the central defender scuffed his finish as it went above the bar.

After the break, Malaysia visibly showed more urgency on the offensive. But it seemed like they were missing the element of creativity within the midfield as they continued to launch unnecessary long balls forward.

But Indonesia were still spraying passes around with ease, and their confident build up play allowed them to run rings around the Malaysian midfield, making them frustrated. Yandi Munawar, who was a threat all throughout the game, had another attempt on goal, though Izham was equal to it this time.

Ong Kim Swee then made the move of introducing Rozaimi Rahman and Nazmi Faiz and they made an instant impact. Rozaimi was played through by Nazmi, only for the Sabah-born forward to misjudge the position of the ball. Thamil Arasu and Saarvindran then combined well but Saarvindran's final product could only head directly into the goalkeeper's palms.

The game continously got frustrating for Malaysia as they kept pushing for the coveted equalizer. Fans were reminded prior to the game, to never lose hope when Malaysia play, especially after their late 90th minute goal against Singapore last time around. True enough, Harimau Muda restored parity on the 85th minute mark as Thamil Arasu, so often criticised for his lack of composure, showed tremendous amount of that very quality, to fire home and send the Malaysian fans into rapture. And the assist was provided by none other than Nazmi Faiz.

With five minutes left on the clock, it became a scramble for both sides to find the winner and avoid heading into extra time. Andik Vermansyah had an attempt towards the Malaysian goal, but it went out for offisde. Hazwan Bakri then came agonizingly close with a powerful shot, but it missed the target by inches. Ultimately, the regulation time came to a conclusion and extra time beckoned.

In the first half of extra time, there wasn't much opportunity for either sides as they employed cautious styles of play. Izzaq Faris created one chance for Rozaimi, but it was cleared away by Diego Michels and at the other end, Yandi fired his attempt way off target.

As for the second half, it became even more evident that the Indonesians were beginning to huff and puff their way through the game. Harimau Muda maintained their offensive pressure; Rozaimi and Hazwan trying various combinations to outsmart the Indonesian defence. But nonetheless, both sides closed each other out, as the extra time finished with the score still being 1-1. And of course, penalties ensued.

But things did not well from the offset. Thamil Arasu stepped up to take the first attempt, and his weak shot was easily saved by Kurnia. Alfin then placed Indonesia ahead with a composed attempt, before Shahrul Saad's shot was saved yet again by Kurnia.

Diego Michelis, Nazmi Faiz, Yandi Munawar and Fadhli Shas all converted their respective penalty attempts before Munahati fired his one above the bar to give Malaysia a lifeline. And despite Rozaimi coolly slotting home Malaysia's fifth attempt, Panabol stepped up and fired home to send Indonesia into the finals.

goal.com

Key Battles: Malaysia Squad vs Indonesia at SEA Games

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Read which players will most likely decide the eventual finalists of the 2013 SEA Games football tournament, when eternal rivals Malaysia and Indonesia face each other
         
Time and again in the tournament, the 22 year old goalkeeper has proven himself a worthy man to guard his team's goalmouth, especially during a time when his defenders seem to be shaky. 

Against Vietnam, thankfully the defence played and protected him better, but that still did not stop their danger area from being relentlessly assaulted by their opponents who needed a win to advance to the semis.

Izham rose even higher to the occassion to keep the ball out and help his team absorb the onslaught for almost the whole duration of the match, a team performance which was described by many fans as "heartstopping".

Against the Indonesians, Izham must keep doing what he has been doing since the first day of the tournament, and keep a tighter leash on his defenders. Not to take the match lightly, but if some fans think of the current set of Young Tigers sub-par due to the absence of several injured key-players, the Indonesians are having it worst. From their previous four matches, they could only convert three goals, and Izham is likely to have an easier time this Thursday morning.

And it is this lack of goals that at one point threatened the Young Garudas' chances of making it to the semi-finals. In fact, they only qualified by registering a slim 1-0 win over hosts Myanmar whose head coach did not fully understand the tournament qualification rules.

So striker Yandi Munawar need to take their second lease of life in the tournament by performing better and scoring for his team against their rivals. He has only scored one goal so far, and even then it was against the lowly Cambodia. Malaysia do not play well when trailing, a circumstance he can take advantage of by scoring first.

The midfield has been the Malaysians' strength throughout the tournament, and the misfiring forward line can be thankful that their engine room is able to simply retain the ball when no headway could be found, whereas their sometimes shaky defence now owe the midfielders a lot of drinks for helping out in defending when the danger area was being overrun by the opponents.

Against Vietnam, they played a much simpler game as they only needed a draw to qualify, and when the opportunity presented itself to kill the game near the end of the match, they made no mistake in delivering the goods, and scoring themselves.

The first came from winger Ashri Chuchu, and their second was scored by D. Saarvindran with a delightful dummy and a low shot to send the Vietnamese packing. Saarvindran has been dangerous throughout the tournament, if a little unlucky, but Tuesday's goal showed why he is integral to the team.

He started the match, but despite this, he was still tenacious, hardworking and tireless in the final minutes, which helped him score his goal in the 89th minute after he made a lung-bursting sprint to the Vietnam penalty box to receive a pass. Head coach Ong Kim Swee is most likely to start Saarvindran again this Thursday.

His counterpart in the Indonesian squad; Andik Vermansyah meanwhile has had a very different tournament. The Indonesian football young star, fresh off a highly-publicised training stint in Japan, has been receiving criticism from the fans for playing very selfishly and not helping his team. 

On top of that, he is also rumoured to be carrying a knock, although substantial reports on this have not emerged. Should he be fielded by head coach Rahmad Darmawan, the 22-year old needs to find his form and to overcome his markers. He must also remember that the forwards are currently going through a bit of a dry spell, so he must shoulder some of the goal-scoring responsibilities himself if this drought persists tomorrow.
         
Rozaimi did not do much against Vietnam and he was substituted off in the 67th minute. But that was mostly a tactical decision, as the Tigers only needed a draw. However he had performed splendidly in their earlier match against Singapore, coming off the bench to score the equaliser, in what seems to be his favourite role in Kim Swee's squad.

But as part of a forward line that is currently anything but clinical, he must play the part that is entrusted upon him by their current need, even if that means starting Thursday's match. However he should be relieved to know that the Indonesia's defence is among the most porous of the four semi-finalists, which means that there are gaps that he can take advantage of, if he is alert.

And it is these gaps that Holland-born Indonesian defender Diego Michiels must plug when going up against their rivals. They have let in more than they scored, not a good situation for any team, and on a bad day they let in four against the Thais, the eventual Group B leaders.

Yes Malaysian strikers are a little goal-shy at the moment, but as proven in the Malaysia-Vietnam match, their midfielders are equally capable of scoring themselves. And it is important for them to shut out the Malaysians, as the Tigers are prone to fits of frustration when things don't go their way. 

Michiels and his defence must get them frustrated, fatigued, and Malaysia will be less organised, and only then it is time for the Garudas to try and hit their opponents.
goal.com
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Kronologi: Jatuhnya Skuad Malaysia di Semi Final SEA Games

INDONESIA UPDATED. Hari ini skuad Malaysia 'jatuh' di SEA Games melalui drama adu penalti dengan skor Indonesia 4-3 Malaysia. Berkat kemenangan ini, Timnas Indonesia berhak maju ke final sepakbola putra SEA Games 2013 Myanmar. 

Kegagalan dua pemain Malaysia, Thamil Arassu dan Syahrul Saad dalam tendangan penalti menjadi kunci kemenangan skuad Indonesia.

Sebelum melewati dua kali perpanjangan waktu dan adu penalti, di babak pertama Indonesia sempat unggul lebih dahulu di menit ke 30 melalui gol tunggal Bayu Gatra yang sukses memanfaatkan umpan satu-dua yang dilakukan Fandi Eko Utomo. Sementara gol untuk Malaysia dibukukan oleh Thamil Arassu pada enam menit menjelang laga berakhir.

Selain Bayu Gatra, Yandi Sofyan juga tampil apik dengan beberapa kali merepotkan penjaga gawang Malaysia. Yandi Sofyan nyaris mencetak gol pada menit ke-24, 27 dan 60, sayang bola sontekannya melebar.

Timnas Indonesia menguasai jalannya babak pertama dengan sering merangsek ke sisi pertahanan Malaysia melalui sisi sayap namun pada babak kedua Malaysia mencoba untuk menguasai pertandingan.

Pada menit ke-71 tendangan keras dari pemain Malaysia nyaris menyamakan kedudukan, namun Kurnia Meiga tampil gemilang dengan menepisnya.

Empat menit kemudian Rozaimi kembali membahayakan gawang Indonesia, beruntung Kurnia Meiga dengan sigap ke luar dari gawang untuk menjemput bola.

Menit ke-80 Sarvindran nyaris membuat gol dari dalam kotak penalti Indonesia, beruntung bola tendangannya mengarah ke pelukan Kurnia Meiga.

Unggul 1-0 ternyata tidak membuat Rahmad Darmawan bermain bertahan, hal itu ditunjukan dengan mengganti gelandang serang, Ramdani Lestaluhu dengan penyerang lincah, Andik Vermansyah di menit ke-78.

Pada menit ke 84 Malaysia bermain dengan empat penyerang. Strategi ini  langsung bekerja karena satu menit kemudian Thamil Arassu berhasil menyamakan kedudukan, 1-1.

Menit 89 umpan Bayu Gatra kepada Andik nyaris mengunci kemenangan untuk Indonesia, sayang masih melebar.

Hingga 90 menit pertandingan kedudukan imbang tidak berubah sehingga pertandingan dilanjutan ke babak tambahan.

Pada 2×15 menit perpanjangan waktu, kedua tim melakukan jual beli serangan namun tidak ada gol yang tercipta sehingga pertandingan dilanjutkan dengan adu tendangan penalti.

Pada babak adu penalti Kurnia Meiga berhasil menepis tembakan dua penendang pertama untuk Malaysia, Thamil Arassu dan Syahrul Saad. Sementara penjaga gawang Malaysia, Izham Tharmizi tidak berhasil menepis satu tendangan pun hanya penendang ketiga Indonesia, Manahati Lestusen, yang tembakannya meleset.

Di final Indonesia akan bertemu dengan pemenang antara laga semi final lainnya yang mempertemukan antara Singapura dan Thailand.
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Malaysia Fall to Indonesia in SEA Games 2013

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Indonesia exacted sweet revenge in the men’s football competition when they edged Malaysia 4-3 on penalties after both teams were tied 1-1 at the end of extra-time in the SEA Games semi-finals at the Zeyar Thiri Stadium.
Two years ago, Malaysia had spoilt the party for Indonesia when they defeated the hosts by the same score (aet 1-1, 4-3 on penalties) in the final at the Jakarta SEA Games.

Indonesian goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga was the hero when he saved the opening two shots by A. Thamil Arasu and Syamsol Saad. The other penalty takers who scored were Mohd Nazmi Faiz, Mohd Fadhli Shas and Rozaimi Abdul Rahman.

The Indonesians scored through Alfin Ismail, M. Diego, Yandi Sofyan and Ferinando Pahabol while Manahati Lestusen ballooned his shot.
 
In the game, Indonesia led through Bayu Gatra’s goal in the 31s minute before Thamil rescued Malaysia with a late equaliser six minutes from time.
 
Malaysia dished out a lethargic performance with barely any real goal-scoring attempts except for centreback Mohd Fadhli Shas squandering a sitter from point blank range in stoppage time of the first-half.
 
Indonesia sounded the early warning taking control of the game in midfield and came close with the opening goal after striker Adi Soffian rocked the woodwork with a thunderous shot taken from outside the box in the 25th minute.
 
Bayu Gatra punished the Malaysian defence from a neat set-piece scoring the opening goal in the 31st minute.
 
Desperate Malaysian coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, in his bid to find the equaliser, sent in two additional strikers Rozaimi Abdul Rahman and Izzaq Faris Ramlan in the second-half.
 
Thamil scored a late equaliser after he connected substitute Mohd Nazmi Faiz’s corner-kick six minutes from time.
thestar.com.my

Thailand, Malaysia Prevent Indonesia's Badminton Clean Sweep

INDONESIA UPDATED. It was the women who provided the most excitement in the badminton finals at the Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium (C) on Saturday, although the men’s singles also had the audience on the edge of their seats.

The women’s singles began with Indonesia’s Bellaetrix Manuputty losing tamely 21-9 to second seed Ongbam- rungphan Busanan of Thailand. But, there seemed a sudden burst of energy in the second game from Manuputty as she held the 17-year-old Thai at 4 to take it to 11 points. 

After the one-minute break, Manuputty conceded a few points before her game changed, almost as if she suddenly could predict the Thai girl’s moves, and she won comfortably 21-13.

The third game saw the Thai and Indonesian chase each other point for point until they reached 16-12 with Manuputty in the lead. In an attempt to redeem herself, Busanan overestimated her smashes sending a number of them far beyond the baseline, handing the match to Manuputty 21-13.

“I was scared in the first game because Busanan had easily beaten my teammate (Aprilia Yuswandari). Going into game two, I told myself that I had trained so hard for this so it would be no use if I didn’t give it all that I have. I then realised that I had to hit to the baseline so it would be difficult for her to smash down so hard,” said Manuputty, whose face was fixed in a huge grin as she watched her other teammates compete.

Thailand’s singles coach Udom Luangphetcharapon stated that although Busanan had taken the first game easily, she was too slow to launch a defence in the second, staying too close to the net while the Indonesian continuously sent the shuttle far back. “Then she fell too far behind and couldn’t catch up. I told her to change and attack but she couldn’t manage that. She was tense and wasn’t confident in taking the shots. She kept think- ing too much about right and wrong shots. She’s young and needs more experience, but she did well today,” he said.

Busanan, who aims to make it into the world’s top 10, admitted to a lack of confidence, saying, “I made a lot of mistakes in the second and third games and she got control. I think so much before I take a shot and I worry whether it is right and I get nervous about taking the next shot.”

Indonesia had already won gold in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles earlier and with a competitor in each of the finals, were poised to make it a five-gold sweep of the sport, until men’s singles champion Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand stepped onto the court. He and Indonesia’s Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka were neck and neck throughout both games, but the Thai’s strength and skill prevailed, winning 22-20, 21-17. “I’m just really happy that I was the one to win the only gold for my country in badminton,” he said.

Malaysia and Indonesia saved the best for last, however, as they provided the audience with a nail-biter of a women’s doubles. Surprise finalists Malaysia overcame a physically stronger Indonesia (21-17, 18-21, 21-17) to take gold.

“It’s been a while since we won any major tournament and so this is a big win for us,” said Malaysia’s Vivian Hoo for whom this is a first SEA Games gold. She dedicated the medal to her partner Khe Wei Woon for her never-give-up attitude. Khe, who now adds this to the team gold won in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos, laughed, “I’m so overwhelmed I cannot even cry.”

The 85-minute match, full of long rallies and hard smashes from both sides of the court, was a fitting end to badminton at the 27th SEA Games, the likes of which Myanmar has never witnessed before.
republika.com

Anger, Disappointment as Myanmar’s Men Go Down & Out at SEA Games Football

MYANMAR UPDATED. Myanmar’s U-23 footballers went down 1-0 to Indonesia at the SEA Games men’s football competition in Rangoon on Monday night, a result that sees the hosts out of the tournament.

Indonesia progressed to the semi-finals on the head-to-head rule, despite having an inferior goal difference to Myanmar’s men’s team, after both countries finished joint-second in their group, one point behind Thailand on seven points.

Speaking after the match, Myanmar coach Park Sung Hwa said that he thought a 1-0 loss would be enough for the home country to progress, seemingly misunderstanding that the head-to-head stipulation, which dictates that in the event of teams finishing level on points, the result of the match between the sides decides who progresses, rather than goal difference. Myanmar went into the game with +5 goal difference, compared with Indonesia’s -2.

“I didn’t know it in advance and therefore made some mistakes with formation and tactics,” the coach said in a post match press conference, his remarks delivered in Korean and translated to Burmese and in turn to English.

The mix-up and Myanmar’s exit from the competition seems likely to mark the end of Park’s tenure, after a match in which a first half penalty—coolly-taken by Indonesia’s Alfin Ismail Tuasalamony after a John Aldridge-style staccato run-up—turned out to be enough for Indonesia to progress.

For much of the game the away team looked the more likely to score, though both sides had chances before the referee blew for time after 95 minutes of play.

Myanmar was mostly restricted to long range efforts in the second half as the favored hosts tried to claw back Indonesia’s lead. However, for the most part the Burmese snatched at their shots, skying several efforts high and wide.

Clearly missing injured midfielder Kyi Lin, who limped out of the Saturday 1-1 draw with Thailand, and star striker Kyaw Ko Ko, who was left on the substitutes bench, the Burmese towards the end were reduced to pinging hopeful long balls into the Indonesian box, which the away team’s defense dealt with comfortably.

One spectacular 79th minute volley by Myanmar’s number 9 Kaung Si Thu was the high point of the host’s second half—a dipping rasper fired from the edge of the D, which dropped inches wide of the Indonesian goal with the ‘keeper a spectator.

Indonesia however had chances to wrap the game up before the end, with Bayu Gatra Sanggiawan dragging wide in the 78th minute, despite having a clear sight of the Burmese goal inside the penalty area after a well-worked move down the left.

Otherwise, while the Indonesians regularly got in behind the Burmese defense when they attacked down the left, the final pass by the visitors was left wanting.

The match was marred by the sending-off of Myanmar’s Ye Lin Aung with normal time set to expire, as the home team’s frustrations grew.

By the end, the tension spilled from pitch to stand, with the ref having to remove a rock lobbed onto the pitch—seemingly by an irate Burmese supporter—as the game drew to a close and it became apparent that the hosts were not going to find an equalizer.

After the game angry Burmese fans ripped up stadium seats and hurled them pitchside—or as close as they could get, given the fence, moat and running track separating the playing surface from the stands.

Violence spilled outside the stadium, with riot police called in to control the angry spectators who took their anger at the Myanmar team’s elimination to the streets outside Rangoon’s Thuwanna Stadium, a reprise of some of the recent bouts of football hooliganism that Myanmar has become known for.

Anger also spread to cyberspace, with a hacker group briefly taking down the SEA Games website, which was back up a few minutes later.

A message posted on the hacked page read “Hello, Seagame 2013. Hacked By Blink Hacker Group We don’t want to deface your site. But, today’s football match’s results brought us here. Please take legal action (at least a complain) against the vietnam referee for his deeds.”

Blink Hacker Group’s previous targets include state television station MRTV-4, various Burmese government ministries and local newspaper websites.

By Thursday morning Myanmar had slipped to third in the overall SEA Games medals table. With Thailand seemingly unassailable at the top with 59 gold medals, the hosts are left in a three way battle with Vietnam and Indonesia for second, third and fourth places in the medals ranking.

irrawady.org

Indonesia: Road to 2013 SEA Games Final

INDONESIA UPDATED. The Goal team takes a look at the paths of the remaining four sides and analyse their chances of clinching the coveted Gold medal

Path to Semi-Final
Indonesia were lucky to reach the semi-final, after some frustrating results in the first three matches. First, an unconvincing victory over Cambodia, then they were beaten by Thailand with four goals conceded, and lastly held to a draw by Timor Leste, making the Indonesian public lose their confidence on them. 

Fortunately, Indonesia were able to take advantage of the head-to-head system for standings, and managed to beat Myanmar by a single goal via Alfin Tuasalamony from the penalty spot to sneak into the last four.

Strength
Indonesian players mostly have pace and excellent driblling skills. Andik Vermansyah, Ramdani Lestaluhu, Alfin Tuasalamony and new name Bayu Gatra, are always a threat to the opponents.

Also read : Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

Weakness
Indonesia lack creativity, it's always hard to open up space when they enter the final-third. Finishing is also poor, Indonesia found the net just once from through a striker with Yandi Sofyan against Cambodia.

Chance for Final
Given recent form and results, Indonesia's chance for a Gold medal is slim. But if coach Rahmad Darmawan can find the right formula to resolve the goalscoring problems, they may just stand a chance.
goal.com

Perolehan Medali : Klasemen Sementara Indonesia Turun Ke Posisi 4

INDONESIA UPDATED. Di papan klasemen sementara Peroleham medali Sea Games 2013 Myanmar, posisi Indonesia melorot ke posisi 4.

Sampai Rabu (18/12/2013) sore kontingen garuda berhasil mengumpulkan total 47 Emas 59 Perak dan 67 Perungu, dimana perolehan ini masih jauh dari kontingen Thailand yang sampai saat ini menduduki peringkat pertama, dimana tim gajah putih tersebut sudah berhasil mengoleksi 68 Emas 63 Perak, dan 59 perunggu.

Diposisi dua ada kontingan Vietnam dengan total perolehan sebanyak 154 medali dengan rincian 52 Emas, 48 perak dan 54 perunggu. Sementara itu tuan rumah Myanmar yang sempat memimpin perolehan medali sementara sesaat sebelum pembukaan kembali berhsial menggeser posisi Indonesia, dan sekarang duduk di peringkat ke 3 dengan raihan 52 Emas, 43 Perak dan 49 Perunggu.

Dari hasil Sea Games kemarin, kontingen Indonesia berhasil menambah koleksi medali emas lewat cabang olah raga lompat jangkit putri yang dipersembahkan oleh Maria Natalia Londa, yang sebelumnya juga sudah berhasil mempersembahkan medali perak dan perunggu, pada pertandingan kemarin akhirnya atlet asal bali tersebut berhasil menyabet medali emas dengan lompatan sejauh 14 meter 17 centimeter. 

Bukan hanya berhasil meraih medali emas, Maria juga mampu menajamkan rekor SEA Games yang dibuat atlet Thitma Maungjan di tahun 2009, dengan lompatan sejauh 14,08 m.

Dari cabang olah raga dayung, kontingen Indonesia berhasil meraih dua emas dari nomor LM2 dan M 8+. Di nomor LM2, Arief/Thomas Hallatu berhasil finis tercepat dengan waktu 7 menit 07, 92 detik. Mereka unggul 1,61 detik dari tim Filipina yang meraih perak. 

Adapun medali perunggu Vietnam. Dengan demikian Arief/Thomas berhasil menyumbang dua medali emas di Myanmar. Sebelumnya, duet rowing ini berhasil di nomor LM 4-. Dari cabang ini total sudah lima medali emas berhasil dikumpulkan dan sudah melampui target yang diberikan yakni sebanyak 4 medali emas.

Berikut ini daftar klasemen sementara Perolehan Medali Sea Games 2013 

Indonesia Begins to Languish in The Medal Hunt

INDONESIA UPDATED. Amid Thailand’s domination, Triady Fauzi Sidiq stole the show in the pool by winning the men’s 50-meter freestyle, but generally it was a dry and barren medal field for the Indonesian contingent on Sunday.

The Thai sporting juggernauts racked up a total of 12 gold medals, compared to Indonesia’s mere three, to solidify their position at the top of the provisional standings.

Indonesia’s gold came from pencak silat, track and field, and swimming.

At Wunna Theikdi Aquatic Stadium, Triady clocked the fastest time of 23.12 seconds to win his second gold medal in the pool.

Russel Ong Kaiyi of Singapore and Alexander Lewis Gavin of Thailand won silver and bronze with 23.14 and 23.41 seconds, respectively.

“I’m happy, but I’m not satisfied with my time because I could not surpass my best time of 22.88 seconds set at the Islamic Solidarity Games [in September],” he said after the medal ceremony.

His first gold was earned in the men’s 100-meter freestyle two days ago when he set a new SEA Games record.

His time of 49:99 seconds was an improvement on the previous score of 50:16 set by Daniel William Henry Bego of Malaysia in 2009 in Laos.

Triady said he needed to improve his level of fitness before competing at his next targeted competition — the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, next year.

“I will continue to train in order to improve my time. My next shot will be at the Asian Games,” he said.

Thailand holds the top position with 45 gold, 41 silver and 40 bronze medals followed by Myanmar (38, 31, 35), Vietnam (36, 32, 41) and Indonesia (33, 47, 44).

In pencak silat, debutant Muhammad Adnan, who competed in the 55-60 kilogram match category, brought home Indonesia’s only gold on the last day of the pencak silat competition after defeating host athlete Ye Kyaw Thu.

He outscored his opponent 4:1.

Adnan expressed his happiness, saying that he dedicated his first gold medal to his family, coach and the nation.

“I won a gold medal in my very first SEA Games event,” said the 21-year-old student from Tadulako, Central Sulawesi.

The team failed to meet the target of six gold medals, but was still the overall champion in the event, with a total of four golds, four silver and three bronze followed by Vietnam with four gold, four silver and two bronze.

Hendro was Indonesia’s only gold medalist in the track and field, which commenced with nine gold medals on offer on Sunday.

Hendro won the men’s 20-kilometer race walk, four minutes ahead of Vietnam’s Xuan Vinh Ho, who clocked 1:33:30. Myanmar’s Myo Min Thiha grabbed the bronze with 1:36:18.

Fellow Indonesian Hermanto took the bronze in the men’s discus throw after recording a 51.96-meter pitchout.

Malaysia’s Muhammad Irfan topped the event with 53.16 meters, followed by Narong Benjaroon of Thailand with 52.45 meters.

In the men’s 400-meter race, Edy Ariansyah also won bronze after clocking 47.78 seconds. He was outpaced by the Philippines’ Archand Christian Bagist and Edgardo Alejan who seized gold and silver with 47.22 and 47.45 seconds,
respectively.

“Regardless of the medal, this is my first SEA Games so I’m happy with that,” Edy said.

“The competition was quite tough and the Philippine athlete is the best time holder,” he said.

In the cycling road race, Robin Manulang completed the course in the 50-kilometer Individual Time Trial in one hour, seven minutes and 38.294 seconds to finish at second place behind Philippine cyclist Mark John Lexer P Galedo.

“The outcome of the race was not as we predicted. We initially checked the racers from Thailand and Vietnam, but it was the Filipinos who broke through to the front,” Robin said after the medal presentation ceremony.

The other Indonesian cyclists, Ryan Areihaan, languished at fourth place.

Yanthi Fuchiyanti also failed to overtake her opponents and had to be content with the bronze in the women’s 30-kilometer ITT, behind Singapore’s Slew Kheng Dinah Chan.
thejakartaglobe.com

SEA Games Medals for Indonesia in Progress

INDONESIA UPDATED. Indonesia secured its first medal in athletics at this year’s Southeast Asia Games when Hendro won the men’s 20-kilometer race walk at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Sunday.

Hendro won in a time of 1:29:41, followed by Vietnam’s Xuan Vinh Vo in second and Myo Min Thiha of Myanmar in third place.

Hermanto added bronze after finishing third in the men’s discus throw with his best distance of 51.96 meters. Muhammad Irfan Shamshuddin of Malaysia won gold with 53.16 m and Narong Benjaroon settled for second place with 52.45 m.

In the pencak silat (martial arts), which ended the competition on Sunday, Indonesia added another gold medal when Mohammad Adhan Rusdin won the final match against Myanmar’s Ye Kyaw Thu in the fight event in the 55-60 kilograms category at the Zayat Thiri Indoor Stadium.

Rusdin defeated Ye with a unanimous decision after four out of five judges awarded the Indonesian fighter a win. He is the only fighter to have won gold among his five compatriots in the final round.

Meanwhile, Yanthi Fuchianty added a bronze medal from cycling after finishing third in the women’s 30-kilometer individual time trial road race event.

She finished in 43.381 seconds behind overall winner Dinah Chan Siew Kheng of Malaysia, who took gold, while Chanpeng Nontasin of Thailand took silver.
Indonesia also won a bronze medal in the karate men’s team kumite event 
after defeating the Philippines 3-1 in repechage. Thailand took gold and Malaysia secured silver.

On Saturday, Indonesia’s badminton team nearly made a clean sweep when it took three of the five gold medals on offer.

Angga Pratama and Rian Agung Saputro won the men’s double event by defeating Berry Angriawan and Ricky Karanda Suwardi, 21-13, 17-21, 21-17, in the all-Indonesian final, while Bellaetrix Manuputty played against odds as she beat second seeded Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand, 9-21, 21-13, 21-13, to win the women’s single.

“To be honest, I was nervous because I lost twice to Busanan in our previous meetings. Besides, she defeated Aprilia Yuswandari with a big score in the second round,” Bellaetrix told the Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI).

“It’s the best Christmas gift for me and my family. I had personal target to win a gold medal and I prepared myself very well for the SEA Games,” she said.

Muhammad Rijal and Debby Susanto completed the day as they defeated Maneepong Jongjit and Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand, 21-18, 21-19, to win the mixed double event and secure a third gold medal for Indonesia.

But the country’s clean sweep was denied when Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka lost to Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand, 22-20, 21-17, and settled for silver while Nitya Maheswari Krishinda and Greysia Polii lost to Vivian Kah Mun Hoo and Woon Khe Wei of Malaysia, 17-21, 21-18, 17-21, in the women’s double event.

“We have achieved a target with three gold medals, though we had a chance to win all five golds. The shuttlers gave their best effort in the event,” team manager Ricky Soebagdja said.
thejakartaglobe.com

Indonesia Knocks Out Hosts Myanmar to Seal Semi-Final Place

INDONESIA UPDATED. The hosts had to avoid defeat to reach the semis, but had no reply to Alfin Tuasalamony’s first half penalty which was enough to send the Indonesians through to the final four.

Indonesia came back from the dead to beat hosts Myanmar 1-0 and dramatically seal a place in the semi-finals of the SEA games at the Thuwunna Stadium on Monday evening.

The hosts started the match as favourites after convincing wins against Cambodia (3-0) and Timor Leste (3-1), which was followed by a creditable 1-1 draw against Thailand.

Indonesia, on the other hand, were on the brink of elimination after a disappointing goalless draw against minnows Timor Leste and a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Thailand before that.

Few would have predicted Indonesia to come out as victors, but Alfin Tuasalamony’s goal proved to be the difference as he converted a penalty after Myanmar goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Aung brought him down inside the penalty box.

Myanmar tried their best to find an equaliser but they were unable to break down a resolute Indonesian defense. Their frustration was compounded in added time when they were reduced to ten men after forward Ye Lin Aung was dismissed.

The result meant that both teams finished Group B with seven points, but Indonesia’s better head-to-head record meant that they finished in second place ahead of the hosts.

Myanmar coach Park Sung Wha was left stunned with the result, not just because of the defeat, but because he was not aware of the tournament rules that prioritises the head-to-head rule before goal difference.

“I knew this procedure only at the end of this match,” he said.

“I didn’t really think about this match result because I already expected us to go to the semi-finals. I did not put enough concentration in this match, that’s why I didn’t know about the group stage procedures and the ranking system.

“I take all responsibility. It’s my fault. I’m very sorry to all the supporters and the players who have given their best.”

Indonesia coach Rahmad Darmawan refused to get drawn in with regards to his counterpart’s oversight, choosing instead to focus on his players’ performance.

“Today all the players had a big performance,” he said.

“Now we’ll just focus on the recovery for the players and get ready for our next match against Malaysia or Vietnam.”

In the other Group B match on Monday evening, Thailand sealed top spot after a goalless draw against Cambodia.
goal.com
 

Indonesian Swimmer Breaks SEA Games Record

INDONESIA UPDATED. Indonesian swimmer, Triady Fauzy Sidiq, has broken SEA Games record for men's 100-meter free style at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Myanmar.

"I was surprised to be able to break the record," said Triady after receiving his medal yesterday. Triady recorded 49.99 seconds, pushing aside the previous fastest time of 50.16 recorded by Malaysian Daniel Bego in Sea Games 2009. 

 
Swimmer from Vietnam, Quy Phuoy Hoang who recorded 50.52 seconds sat in the second place before Singaporean Kai Quan Donny who finished at the third position in 50.83 seconds.

"I deserve it after the training I have been through," said Triady. "I am very happy and I dedicate this gold for Indonesia."

Up until last night, Indonesian swimming team had contributed two gold medals, three silver, and three bronze medals.
tempo.co