Having played only two tryout matches, the Indonesia All Stars squad is filled with enthusiasm ahead of an international friendly against English champions Manchester United on Monday. “The players are currently in high spirits. Hopefully they will be able to match the visitors,” national coach Benny Selvianus Dollo said. The Indonesian junior team, spearheaded by Andi Lala and Anjas Asmara, held the Red Devils to a goalless draw at the Bung Karno Stadium in 1975. When asked about his team’s chances to score in the upcoming match, Benny, who is preparing the national squad for the 2011 Asian Cup qualifying round, said: “Everything is possible as the ball is round.” Benny said there would be no more warm-up match. “We just have regular exercises in the morning and afternoon to hone the team’s strategy.” The national team is expected to attempt a counter attack formation of 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 against Wayne Rooney and company. The Indonesian All Stars beat and the Army’s non-professional side PSAD and the African Selection team 3-0 in their warm-ups on Saturday and Tuesday respectively. The 21-strong team line-up was selected in a poll by text messages between April 15 and July 10, which saw strikers Boaz Salossa and Bambang Pamungkas secure the most votes.
Author: Agnes Winarti, The Jakarta Post
