All-Stars told to take the fight to MU

Agnes Winarti , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 07/17/2009 1:47 PM | Headlines

Former Indonesian soccer players who held a Manchester United team to a goalless draw back in 1975 have encouraged their predecessors not to be cowed by Sir Alex Ferguson's star-studded squad.

"My advice for the current squad is, don't be afraid," Anjas Asmara, who played as a midfielder, said Thursday during the official unveiling of the Indonesian All-Stars team.

"They're human, just like us. Their blood is red, just like ours."

The unveiling was held at TVOne, which will broadcast Monday's match live.

Anjas was a member of the Indonesian team that held the United team to a goalless draw the first time the English giants came to Indonesia.

The Indonesian team comprised goalkeeper Ronny Pasla, defenders Sutan Harhara, Oyong Liza and Suaib Rizal, midfielders Iim Ibrahim, Anjas Asmara, Nobon and Waskito, and strikers Junaedi Abdillah, Risdianto and Andi Lala.

"Playing soccer is all about snapping up opportunities," Anjas said.

"Those who can steal opportunities will end up winning the game. So, my younger brothers, I hope you can steal one or two goals from them.

"Maintain your focus throughout the 90 minutes. Keep the ball flowing... pass, move, pass, move again. Make them feel frustrated," Anjas added, recalling how his team had earned respect in the region after holding off United.

"Playing against a European team will be a great psychological test for the players."

Team coach Benny Dollo said, "As individuals, our technique might be behind theirs, but we will perform as a team in the match."

The Indonesia All-Stars were selected text message polling held between April 15 and July 10. Those chosen are for the most part players who are currently shaping up for 2011 Asian Cup pre-qualifying.

A press release of the results of the polling show Bambang Pamungkas, who plays for Persija Jakarta, came out on top of the strikers' poll, with 14.23 percent of votes, followed by Budi Sudarsono of Palembang's Sriwijaya FC, who took 9.35 percent.

Boaz Solossa of Persipura Jayapura and Eka Ramdani of Persib Bandung topped the midfielders' poll with 14.36 percent and 11.36 percent.

Charis Yulianto of Sriwijaya (14.56 percent) and Richardo Salampessy of Persipura (11.66 percent) led the defenders' poll, while the goalkeeper chosen by most fans was Ferry Rotinsulu of Sriwijaya (23 percent), followed by Markus Horison of PSMS Makassar (19.6 percent).

Bambang Pamungkas called for teamwork against the highly skilled individuals on United's squad.

"I believe when playing as a team, we will be able to speak louder, although individually we are below them," he said.

The poll selected the top 30 players in four categories - goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers.

Benny Dollo said the All-Stars team would comprise only 22 players: three goal keepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and three strikers.

The Tri Cup trophy, named after the cell phone operator sponsoring the event, is up for grabs, thus ensuring fans an exciting game that must see one of the teams win.

"The trophy means there should be a winning team," Agum Gumelar, chairman of the local organizing committee of the Man-U 2009 Asia Tour, said.

"So a penalty shootout is possible if the match ends in a draw after regulation time."

Jakarta is the second stop for the English champions after Kuala Lumpur, where they played a game Friday.

The team will not be coming with the world player of the year, Christiano Ronaldo, who has moved to Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee.

Carlos Tevez, who was in the team that won the 2008 UEFA Champions League, has also left Old Trafford for cross-town rivals Manchester City. Michael Owen, who starred for the England team in 1998, may make an appearance.

United's tour will continue on to South Korea and China for more friendlies.