Steven Danis
Football Tribe Indonesia
The team looks a little bit different from the one which played the first two home games against Malaysia and Thailand. Simon McMenemy called up 12 new players which, is half of his 23-man team. The first away game is important, as Indonesia has never won against a Middle Eastern nation and it will be very hard for the Garuda to emerge with three points.
The UAE is a good team, like other Arabic nations, they have advantages in physical traits. Additionally, playing as hosts, they will get strong support. But it’s a little bit nostalgic for some players who met the UAE’s U-22 team at the 2018 Asian Games.
Player to Watch – Wawan Hendrawan, Goalkeeper, Age 36: The Indonesian defense was highlighted as a major issue as we conceded 6 goals in our two earlier games. It has been a tough choice who will stand between the sticks. Andritany may the captain and the first option, but giving a debut for an in-form goalkeeper like Wawan could be the key for tightening the side’s defense.
I predict the game will be hard for both of them. The host also said this match is going to be crucial as they only picked up a narrow 1-2 against Malaysia – not the kind of result they needed to send a message out to the rest of the group. They will try to get the best result possible, and Indonesia must prepare for the worst scenarios in Abu Dhabi.