World Cup Qualifying Indonesia

Five Things Indonesia Learned From Their Opening Loss to Malaysia

By: , September 6, 2019 8:28 pm

Indonesia kicked off their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a disappointing loss against Malaysia. However, an appalling reaction from the crowd is what stole the headlines after the 3-2 defeat for the Garuda. Football Tribe Indonesia’s Steven Danis discusses what went wrong on and off the pitch for Indonesia last night.

Rough Game for Both Sides

Before the chaotic situation in the middle of the second half, the game was very enjoyable as both countries gave their best to play on the first match in Group G. Indonesia looked very strong on the counter-attack scheme with Andik Vermansyah and Saddil Ramdani/Irfan Jaya on both wings, while Malaysia had a better tactical scheme on set-pieces.

Fast and Furious Subtitutions

Simon made two quick substitutions in the second half. He replaced Zulfiandi and Saddil Ramdani, who actually played well during the first half, as a reaction to Sumareh, who had just come on for Malaysia. But the substitutions did not have their intended effect, with the reaction from McMenemy possibly being too rash.

A Brave Tactic from Simon McMenemy

The Scottish mastermind is blessed with many versatile players as he played duo Hansamu Yama and Manahati Lestusen at center-back and Stefano Lilipaly right behind Beto Goncalves. A good point for Manahati and Lilipaly that had a new role that they’re not played on their club during the first half of Liga 1 2019. Manahati usually plays as a defensive midfielder, that’s why on this match, we never saw Hansamu and Manahati standing in one line. Manahati would sometimes drift into midfield, in line Zulfiandi. While Lilipaly seems to enjoy his new role in Bali United as a left-winger, he still has his trequartista style while playing behind Beto.

Errors by Andritany

With all respect to the captain last night, critics have attacked his Manuel Neuer-esque blunders when he played with his legs too much rather than blocked any Malaysian shoots with his hand. A ridiculous moment with Hansamu Yama in the first half is a moment to remember. It’s hard for Indonesia as both of their two goalkeepers, Andritany and Teja Paku Alam, have had rough seasons with their clubs and sit in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Angga Saputro of PS TIRA-Persikabo, who has been in good form, is still young and lack of international experience. So what will you do next, Simon?

You Call This Patriotism?

Many people said that this match isn’t about the World Cup, but that it's about Indonesia versus Malaysia. Both countries had a gloomy rivalry for years, even decades. I don’t want to talk further about the chaos on and off the field; before, during and after the game. I feel ashamed, not proud at all, and I need to send my apologies to all Malaysian fans. I think we need to rethink these rivalries, to make it better. Because in both countries, some people being their vengeful attitudes to ruin what should be a game of making peace.