Significance of Friendship

Football is not just about winning or losing. Through football, Indonesia and Palestine showed the significance of the friendship between the two nations, despite facing the pitch as rivals.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Captain of the Indonesian soccer team Hansamu Yama Pranata (right) competes for the ball with Palestinian soccer player Mousa Farawi (center) and Michel Milad Termanini (left) in the soccer preliminary round of the 2018 Asian Games at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, West Java, on Wednesday (15/8/2018). Palestine defeated Indonesia 2-1.

BEKASI, KOMPAS – The Indonesia U-23 football team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Palestine on Wednesday (15/8/2018) in the Group A men’s football preliminary match of the 2018 Asian Games at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java. However, the two teams displayed their close relationship by prostrating in unison after the match.

Just after the whistle at the end of the match, players from both teams shook hands and patted each other on the shoulder. They stood together in a circle in the center of the pitch, hand in hand, drawing cheers from the audience.

Warmth encapsulated the jam-packed gallery. Even though only a few Palestinian spectators were in attendance, many Palestinian flags were waved alongside the Indonesia’s Red and White. Many Indonesian supporters had brought Palestinian flags to the stadium, which is closely connected to Indonesia’s long-standing ties with Palestine and support for the recognition of an independent Palestinian State.

The Indonesia and Palestine teams fought bravely and relentlessly for 90 minutes on the pitch, aggressively attacking each other’s defenses.

Palestine scored first in the 20th minute when Zulfiandi committed an offense in the penalty box, which rewarded Palestine with a penalty kick. Penalty shooter Mohamed Darwish failed to score when the ball hit the goal post. However, Oday Dabbagh chased down the ball, made his shot and scored to gain 1-0 for Palestine.

Left behind, the Garuda team intensified its assault on Palestine’s defenses. Irfan Jaya scored a retaliation goal in the 23rd minute, tying the score 1-1.

In the second half, Palestine scored its second goal in the 51st minute. Mahmoud Abuwarda made an assist as Mohamed Darwish netted the goal. The support of 28,250 home fans in the stands could not bring Indonesia to score an equalizer, maintaining 2-1 until the end of the match.

“We had several opportunities for equalizers but, unfortunately, no goals were made. Palestine played better than us. This is a sad defeat, but we will keep fighting against Laos and Hong Kong to pass the group phase,” said Indonesia coach Luis Milla.

With this defeat, Indonesia has lost its runner-up position and now ranks third in Group A. The national team has won 3 points in two matches. Its chances of making it through to the Round of 16 will depend on its performance against Laos and Hong Kong.

Indonesia currently stands below Palestine, which has 7 points from three matches, and Hong Kong with 6 points from two matches. Hong Kong crushed Taiwan 4-0 in its Group A qualifier on Wednesday.

Iran faces difficulties

Meanwhile, Iran, once Asia’s strongest football nation, is facing difficulties reclaiming their glory. Its first Group F qualifier match on Wednesday ended with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia at Wibawa Mukti Stadium in Bekasi, West Java.

Iran was close to suffering defeat when Saudi Arabia player Nawaf Abdullah al-Habashi received an assist and took a shot on goal in the 93rd minute, but hit the goal post.

“The match was unsatisfying, but at least we were not defeated,” said Iran coach Zlatko Kranjcar, adding that he remained optimistic the team would make it to the next round, as the Iran players proved they could create many goal opportunities.

Iran won the Asian Games gold in men’s football in 1974, 1990, 1998 and 2002. The country is tied with South Korea for the most Asian Games golds in men’s football.

Saudi Arabia coach Saad Ali Alshehri said the first match was always the hardest. “We should be in better physical condition in our next match,” he said.

Wibawa Mukti’s second group match between North Korea and Myanmar also ended in a draw with a score of 1-1.

(ECA/DEN/TAM/WAD)