Southeast Asia Indonesia

5 Things We Learned – Indonesia vs Timor-Leste

By: , November 15, 2018 10:21 am
Credit – affsuzuki.com

Indonesia got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Timor-Leste at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on match-day 2. Despite going behind to the tiny nation, which was once a province to Indonesia, the Garuda struck back to claim all three points. Football Tribe Indonesia writer Steven Danis tells us his main takeaways from this match.

Midfield Looks Better

Evan Dimas and Hargianto have had good chemistry since the U-19 AFF Cup back in 2013, and now they're both at the tournament with the senior team. It looks like Bima has found the best duo in the midfield area. Based on Opta Indonesia, they made a total of 448 passes with 77% accuracy. The midfield may have looked even more effective and dominant if Stefano Liliplay was playing from the first-half.

Still looking the right back-four

Bima changed six players from his last starting-eleven, with an emphasis on transforming the defence. Gavin Kwan filled the right side due the absence of Putu Gede, duo Fachruddin and Hansamu starred as the centre-backs and debutant Alfath Fathier featured on the left side. But this composition still lacks confidence. Timor-Leste's goal is evidence of this, as they scored after miscommunication in the defensive line. No one pressured Rufino Gama, who scored from the outside of the penalty box, with his goal being one of 13 shots on Andritany's net.

Beto finds his self-confidence

After scoring last night, the Brazilian-born striker found his self-confidence again. Often not running much, Beto manages to find the perfect place and perfect time to execute, just like what he did in this match with a classic header into Timor-Leste's net. 

Riko Simanjuntak's Effect

The winger from Persija Jakarta had a great impact on tonight's match, as he provided the assist for Beto Goncalves for Indonesia's 3rd goal. He also looked promising in the opening match against Singapore. Hariss Harun, who also met him in the AFC Cup with JDT, kept his eyes on him. His pace and acceleration is good, and he can create chances for the team's forwards. 

Motivation against Thailand

This win will hopefully lift the spirits ahead of the next match against Thailand. Yet it will be tough, as it may remind the players of their previous final defeat at the Rajamangala. Bima also indicated that he will play more senior players for this match, especially those who already play against Thailand in that previous meeting.