The 17 year old Indonesian National Football Team (Timnas U-17) won the tournament Hong Kong Football Associaton International Youth Football Invitation Tournament 2012 after bulldozing Singapore 3-1 at Po Keung Tsuen Village Stadium, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Sunday (29/1) afternoon. This result ensured that the Garuda Muda team took home the trophy because in the previous two matches, they won over the Hong Kong and Macau teams.
Under the cold temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius, the Garuda Muda team fell behind by M. Hasyim Faiz's goal in the 36th minute, but in the second half was able to turn things around. Three goals from Indra Syafri's men were scored by Sabeq Fahmi in the 55th and 59th minutes, and Evan Dimas Darmono from the penalty spot in the 69th minute.
Throughout the documented history of Indonesian football, the Indonesian U-17 national team won the title for the first time. If there is any achievement, the Indonesian Student National Team won it after winning the Asian Student in New Delhi in 1984, and in 1985 in Jakarta, 27 years ago.
The Indonesian Students who won the two Asian Student tournaments are a product of Ragunan's 'naturalization'. At that time, Frans Sinatra Huwae was trusted to be the team captain twice by the team of coaches Burkhard Pape, Omo Suratmo and Maryoto.
Success in achieving a 3-1 victory over Singapore completed the achievement of Garuda Muda in Hong Kong with a score of nine. In the first match, Indonesia beat host Hong Kong 1-0, and slaughtered Macau 4-1.
“Very encouraging. Hopefully this is the beginning of the revival of national football. This also emphasizes that the national team squad formation program in layers is indeed a must, "said PSSI General Chairman, Djohar Arifin Husin, according to a press release received. Okezone, Sunday (29/1/2012)
Djohar also hopes that players abroad can be well monitored so that they can become national team players. "The U-17 national team will continue to be fostered. At least there is a patchwork to prepare the national team players, "he added.
The coach of the Indonesian U-17 national team, Indra Syafri, admitted that he was quite satisfied with the results achieved by his foster children. Although the preparation time is quite tight, it can give maximum results in Hong Kong.
Indra Syafri also revealed that his decision to rest the five main players almost brought disaster. This is because Singapore, which was originally predicted to be easy to conquer because it was crushed by Hong Kong 5-1, turned out to be a tough battle.
"A decision that almost shattered hope. But I am happy that the children can win, especially since all 18 players who were brought to Hong Kong were all sent. They are still young so they must be given the opportunity to play, "said Indra Syafri.
The former coach of the Indonesian U-16 national team also said it was possible that this young player was promoted to a higher level of the national team. "If they are talented, they can be promoted even to the senior team," he said.
There are several U-17 players who are predicted to have bright potential in the future, including Sabeq Fahmi, Samsul Muhidin Pelu, and Indra Kelana Nasution. The success of Garuda Muda in Hong Kong gave many comments, among them, the trophy was not a goal but how to carry out sustainable youth development in order to form a quality national team in the future. (Okezone.com). *
