Jakarta Casual
Saturday, March 31, 2007
What's it like to have no fans...
To be fair Bandung are as fanatically supported as most other clubs in the League but for the next couple of games the Vikings, as they are known, will have to do without seeing their team.
Today, the game at Benteng Stadium against Tangerang City will be played without fans because of recent trouble involving the Benteng Mania.
Next week's top of the table clash between Bandung and Medan has similarly been declared a fan free fixture. This punishment was meted out by the Indonesian FA after fans invaded the pitch during the recent 4-2 victory over Malang and held the game up for nearly an hour. The club were also fined 20 million rupiah.
Until clubs and security officials get serious about fan behaviour inside stadiums this will happen again and again. Unfortunately when fans do decide to climb the fences surrounding the pitch the local brave constabulary are nowhere to be seen until it's too late.
I don't mind admitting this is a pain in the butt. Next week I had planned on going to Bandung for the game...it just ain't fair!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Indonesian Friendlies
The Indonesian FA have announced a couple of warm up games before the Asian Cup begins in July
1 June v Jordan (Bung Karno, Jakarta)
30 June v UAE ( possibly Sleman but to be confirmed)
1 June v Jordan (Bung Karno, Jakarta)
30 June v UAE ( possibly Sleman but to be confirmed)
Charlie Webster
As you probably gathered by now Star Sports Charlie Webster was in town for the Jakarta game yesterday and she seemed to have a blast. Before the game she was on the terracing doing a report where the Jakmania are at their most vociferous.
After the game she was on the pitch doing interviews when some fans tried to get too close. She was happy enough for them to take pictures but these lads don't get to see many blondes at the game and some were a bit over the top. The police of course in fine Indonesian tradition looked on while, lawyer style, calculating their fee should they be asked.
One Rambo cop decided the way to impress a Sheffield lass was to singlehandedly charge into a mob of skinny 12 year olds and whip them with his whippy thing...oh dear.
Anyway after the crowds had died down we did what 2 English people do when they meet in a strange, or indeed familiar, place. We hit the pub. A nice anonymous bar, Football Crazy was on TV and, to coin a phrase, once in a while Charlie piped up "look, that's me on TV," but the oil and gas types gathered round the bar weren't interested!
For an old bugger like myself working in an environment where people support Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and England, it was refreshing to natter with a Sheffield United fan and we never once discussed 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. Indeed, she never once called the game footy and forever will be in my good books for that omission
After the game she was on the pitch doing interviews when some fans tried to get too close. She was happy enough for them to take pictures but these lads don't get to see many blondes at the game and some were a bit over the top. The police of course in fine Indonesian tradition looked on while, lawyer style, calculating their fee should they be asked.
One Rambo cop decided the way to impress a Sheffield lass was to singlehandedly charge into a mob of skinny 12 year olds and whip them with his whippy thing...oh dear.
Anyway after the crowds had died down we did what 2 English people do when they meet in a strange, or indeed familiar, place. We hit the pub. A nice anonymous bar, Football Crazy was on TV and, to coin a phrase, once in a while Charlie piped up "look, that's me on TV," but the oil and gas types gathered round the bar weren't interested!
For an old bugger like myself working in an environment where people support Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and England, it was refreshing to natter with a Sheffield United fan and we never once discussed 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. Indeed, she never once called the game footy and forever will be in my good books for that omission
This weekend
In Group 1 Bandung will hope to overtake Jakarta when they travel to low scoring Tangerang City in a game that will be apparently played behind closed doors due to the home team's fans, Benteng Mania, role in recent disturbances with Jakarta. This is of course the second time a game in Tangerang has been played behind closed doors after the Derby match in the first round of fixtures.
Sunday sees Jakarta travel to Lamongan looking for just their second win of the season on the road. Tangerang host Fandi Achmed's Pelita Jaya and they will be looking for 3 points after their slip up against Sriwijaya last weekend.
In Group 2 Arema will be hoping for a change of look when they host Pasaruan Division while Jayapura travel to Ternate in a top of the table clash.
Sunday sees Jakarta travel to Lamongan looking for just their second win of the season on the road. Tangerang host Fandi Achmed's Pelita Jaya and they will be looking for 3 points after their slip up against Sriwijaya last weekend.
In Group 2 Arema will be hoping for a change of look when they host Pasaruan Division while Jayapura travel to Ternate in a top of the table clash.
Midweek results
Group 1
Medan v Bireuen 2-0 5,000
Padang v Malang 0-1 5,000
Banda Aceh v Lamongan 1-0 12,000
Deli Serdang v Semerang 3-1 4,000
Jakarta v Kediri 2-1
1. Medan P 11 W 8 D 2 L 1 12-3 26 Points
2. Sriwijaya P 10 W 7 D 2 L 1 13-4 23
3. Jakarta P 10 W 6 D 2 L 2 17-9 20
4. Bandung P 9 W 6 D 1 L 2 16-9 19
5. Malang P 11 W6 D1 L4 14-12 19
Medan went back to the top after a comfy victory over Bireuen in front of another paltry crowd. 5,000 for the team top of the league? What's that all about? Sinaga scored either side of half time for the fanless North Sumatrans. Semarang continue to struggle and now lie 10th 6 points off a Big 4 place. Gonzalez sparkled for Kediri, going close on a couple of occassions in the opening minutes at Lebuk Bulus but a cracking shot from Izmet Sofyan from something like 35 yards (Top Corner!!!) gave the Jak the lead. Bambang scored a second but a goal from Kediri was little more than consolation for the dozens of Persikmania who had made the trip.
Group 2
Makassar v Manokwari 2-0 12,000
Persibom v Balikpapan 2-1 6,000
Manado v Botang 1-0 12,000
Sidoarjo v Pasaruan Division 1-1 18,000
Yogyakarta v Arema Malang 2-0 8,000
1. Makassar 11 7 2 2 13-5 23
2. Jayapura 9 5 1 3 15-9 16
3. Sidoarjo 10 4 4 2 15-9 16
4. Wamena 9 4 3 2 13-7 15
Two of Indonesia's traditional clubs find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Surabaya and Arema Malang are in the bottom 4 at the moment though Surabaya fans may point out they have 2 games in hand on most teams and should they win them they would climb to 6th. Sidoarjo remain handily placed in 3rd but consecutive home draws cost them the chance to put some daylight between themselves and the clutch of clubs on 15 and 16 points. Christopher Wreh got booked as Manokwari cemented bottom spot with another away defeat. 0 goals in 5 games on the road for the Papuans!
Top scorers:
7 - Hita (Malang), Pronetto (Deltras)
6 - Aliyudin (Jakarta), Anazco (Deli Serdang), Trinidad (Balikpapan)
Medan v Bireuen 2-0 5,000
Padang v Malang 0-1 5,000
Banda Aceh v Lamongan 1-0 12,000
Deli Serdang v Semerang 3-1 4,000
Jakarta v Kediri 2-1
1. Medan P 11 W 8 D 2 L 1 12-3 26 Points
2. Sriwijaya P 10 W 7 D 2 L 1 13-4 23
3. Jakarta P 10 W 6 D 2 L 2 17-9 20
4. Bandung P 9 W 6 D 1 L 2 16-9 19
5. Malang P 11 W6 D1 L4 14-12 19
Medan went back to the top after a comfy victory over Bireuen in front of another paltry crowd. 5,000 for the team top of the league? What's that all about? Sinaga scored either side of half time for the fanless North Sumatrans. Semarang continue to struggle and now lie 10th 6 points off a Big 4 place. Gonzalez sparkled for Kediri, going close on a couple of occassions in the opening minutes at Lebuk Bulus but a cracking shot from Izmet Sofyan from something like 35 yards (Top Corner!!!) gave the Jak the lead. Bambang scored a second but a goal from Kediri was little more than consolation for the dozens of Persikmania who had made the trip.
Group 2
Makassar v Manokwari 2-0 12,000
Persibom v Balikpapan 2-1 6,000
Manado v Botang 1-0 12,000
Sidoarjo v Pasaruan Division 1-1 18,000
Yogyakarta v Arema Malang 2-0 8,000
1. Makassar 11 7 2 2 13-5 23
2. Jayapura 9 5 1 3 15-9 16
3. Sidoarjo 10 4 4 2 15-9 16
4. Wamena 9 4 3 2 13-7 15
Two of Indonesia's traditional clubs find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Surabaya and Arema Malang are in the bottom 4 at the moment though Surabaya fans may point out they have 2 games in hand on most teams and should they win them they would climb to 6th. Sidoarjo remain handily placed in 3rd but consecutive home draws cost them the chance to put some daylight between themselves and the clutch of clubs on 15 and 16 points. Christopher Wreh got booked as Manokwari cemented bottom spot with another away defeat. 0 goals in 5 games on the road for the Papuans!
Top scorers:
7 - Hita (Malang), Pronetto (Deltras)
6 - Aliyudin (Jakarta), Anazco (Deli Serdang), Trinidad (Balikpapan)
Spot the Star Sports presenter!!!
In there somewhere is Charlie Webster trying to do a piece after Jakarta beat Kediri 2-1 at Lebuk Bulus. Exubarent bunch these Indonesian football fans!The banner Bonex is Dead refers to hooligans. Bonex is a local word for hooligans and the Jakarta fans, recently banned from travelling to away games, feel they have been unfairly tarnished as thugs
Labels: Charlie Webster ESPN Star Sports Top Corner Persija Jakarta
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Jakarta v Kediri
The game is over but the Jakmania wo't let the players go.
The geezer in front
Indonesian football eh???
Persija Jakarta v Persik Kediri
Right
I'm off to see Persija Jakarta play Persik Kediri at Lebuk Bulus.
Check back later tonight for match report and images lah
Check back later tonight for match report and images lah
Labels: Persija Jakarta Persik Kediri
A poem
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Half time
And Indonesia are a goal down. Hasan after 23 minutes and there could have been more. Indonesia are woeful in defence and seemingly clueless in the final third which means they aren't doing a whole lot righ. They are complaining, perhaps justifiably, about Lebanon's time wasting but they should be looking in the mirror more and asking questions of themselves.
Like for example how can a Lebanese forward, surrounded by two, three, defencers, still get off a shot? Like how come so many passes in the middle and final third go astray. Like how a team dominating possession can only manage half as many shots as the visitors in the first half.
1-0 to Lebanon
Like for example how can a Lebanese forward, surrounded by two, three, defencers, still get off a shot? Like how come so many passes in the middle and final third go astray. Like how a team dominating possession can only manage half as many shots as the visitors in the first half.
1-0 to Lebanon
Liverpool v Arsenal
Indonesia v Lebanon
Kicks off at 7 pm tonight. To be honest I'd rather watch this than England's egos take on some poncey ski resort in Barcelona.
The maths are simple. Indonesia have to win to even have a chance of getting through to Beijing. A draw or defeat and they might as weel flog their shirts on e-bay.
The maths are simple. Indonesia have to win to even have a chance of getting through to Beijing. A draw or defeat and they might as weel flog their shirts on e-bay.
2-0
With Arema attacking in numbers they were always going to be susceptble to a quick break and that's what happened on 89'. Wayan was through, tricked AK in the Arema goal and slid it home.
Arema's slump shows no sign of ending soon.
Yogyakarta v Arema Malang 2-0
Arema's slump shows no sign of ending soon.
Yogyakarta v Arema Malang 2-0
Red card
Agung gets a red for slapping a Yogyakarta player right in front of the linesman.
Not the brightest light on the Christmas tree? Of course the Yogya player didn't stop rolling for a good few moments, eating up valuable moments but halfway through the second half Arema have still offered little up front.
1-0 Yogya
Not the brightest light on the Christmas tree? Of course the Yogya player didn't stop rolling for a good few moments, eating up valuable moments but halfway through the second half Arema have still offered little up front.
1-0 Yogya
It had to happen
AK, who played such a blinder at Sidoarjo last time out, has been beaten in first half injury time by a soft goal. AK and a defender both went for the same ball but both missed it. An oncoming Yogka player played it across the goal mouth where it eluded an Arema defender. Ranu was left with a simple tap in to the empty net from 6 yards.
Arema have offered little up front first half and while the rain sodden pitch doesn't help good football it hinders both teams.
Half time, 1-0 Yogyakarta
Arema have offered little up front first half and while the rain sodden pitch doesn't help good football it hinders both teams.
Half time, 1-0 Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta v Arema Malang
It's fair pissing down in the popular tourist destination that also hosts PSIM Yogyakarta. 0-0 so far but already our old friend AK has been called on to make some saves.
Looks grim there, like a drizzly sunny day in Manchester!
Looks grim there, like a drizzly sunny day in Manchester!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Getting shirty
Thanks to John who found this link about the old Indonesia shirt. I never saw this available locally but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have cost more than 50 quid!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sponsorship
So there I was at Lebuk Bulus on Saturday. During half time my eyes wandered round the stadium and I was struck by the adverts round the pitch. Or rather lack of them. Prime slots when to the league sponsor, a tobacco manufacturer. Outside the ground they had a couple of booths selling stuff and they also seemed to be sponsoring the live band.
Another advertiser was Nike. This manufacturer are providing the Indonesia shirt for the up coming Asian Cup. The other advertiser was Diadora, the sports company behind the jakarta shirt this season.
On the Sunday I went to a Nike outlet in Plaza Senayan seeing how much the shirt would cost. They had the Arsenal shirt. Barcelona. Manchester United. Even Netherlands. But no sign of the Indonesian shirt. They had life size posters of a player wearing the full kit but the shelves had no stock! So I went to their website...and wondered what's the point! A`slick website full of Flash, and proof indeed websites should never be designed by geeks. And no sign of the Indonesia kit. So please, what is the point? Surely the idea of supplying shirts is to increase your exposure and increase sales? People here know about the brand through their association with the clubs mentioned before. There are plenty of stand alone outlets. Coming soon is the...oh never mind.
I went to a more general sports shop. They had a small selection of Diadora stuff but the only football related stuff was a t shirt for Hannover 96! I Googled Diadora and found their website. Another slick affair high on bells and whistles, low on info. I have sent them an e mail asking where I can buy a Jakarta shirt. Don't hold your breath!
Another advertiser was Nike. This manufacturer are providing the Indonesia shirt for the up coming Asian Cup. The other advertiser was Diadora, the sports company behind the jakarta shirt this season.
On the Sunday I went to a Nike outlet in Plaza Senayan seeing how much the shirt would cost. They had the Arsenal shirt. Barcelona. Manchester United. Even Netherlands. But no sign of the Indonesian shirt. They had life size posters of a player wearing the full kit but the shelves had no stock! So I went to their website...and wondered what's the point! A`slick website full of Flash, and proof indeed websites should never be designed by geeks. And no sign of the Indonesia kit. So please, what is the point? Surely the idea of supplying shirts is to increase your exposure and increase sales? People here know about the brand through their association with the clubs mentioned before. There are plenty of stand alone outlets. Coming soon is the...oh never mind.
I went to a more general sports shop. They had a small selection of Diadora stuff but the only football related stuff was a t shirt for Hannover 96! I Googled Diadora and found their website. Another slick affair high on bells and whistles, low on info. I have sent them an e mail asking where I can buy a Jakarta shirt. Don't hold your breath!
Indonesia v Lebanon
This Olympic Qualifier has been shifted to Jakarta's Lebuk Bulus after the Lebanese whinged that Makassar was to far. I guess the FA will be looking at the attendance with interest after Jakarta's Jakmania announced they would not be supporting Indonesia in either the Qualifiers or Asian Cup. They are peeved at what they percieve to be the injustice of their recent punishment which saw them banned from travelling to the next 5 away games. The fans of Bogor Division and Tangerang City received no punishment and the Jakmania, who called the FA a brothel on Saturday, believe they are being tarnished with a reputation they don't deserve. They handed out a leaflet at the game against Malang detailing their grievances. They called the punishment heartless and said that they do their best trying to support not only their team but also Indonesia. They closed by saying, touchingly, that while they may not be perfect they ar trying to get better.
Weekend results
Group 1
Bandung v Sleman 2-1 20,000
Tangerang v Sriwijaya 0-2 15,000
Pelita Jaya v North Jakarta 1-1 8,000
Padang v Kediri 2-0 5,000
Jakarta v Malang 3-1 6,000
Banda Aceh v Semarang 1-0 10,000
Deli Serdang v Lamongan 1-0 4,500
1. Sriwijaya 23 points
2. Medan 23
3. Bandung 19
4. Jakarta 17
Perhaps feeling put out by their rivals Tangerang City's efforts against Jakarta, Tangerang's fans decided it was their turn to make the headlines by jumping the fence and lobbing rocks at the visiting Siriwijaya support. Victory would have seen their team cement 4th spot. Talking cement, Padang of course are sponsored by a cement producer and they surprisingly beat Kediri with a couple fo goals scored by the wonderfully named Gbeneme Friday. Jakarta leapt to 4th with a comfortable 3 points against Malang in front of just 6,000. 'Cos no one knew what the kick off was eh???
Group 2
Jayapura v Wamena 0-2 25,000
Jepara v Bali 2-0 16,000
Solo v Surabaya 5-0 25,000
Persibom v Botang 2-1
Sidoarjo v Arema Malang 0-0 30,000
Yogyakrta v Pasaruan Division 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar 20 points
2. Jayapura 16
3. Sidoarjo 15
4. Wamena 15
5. Ternate 15
The Papuan Derby ended in a surprise 2-0 victory for the visitors with two second half goals. Jepara may not be one of the bigger names in the League but they pull reasonable crowds. 16,000 saw them beat Bali. Surabaya slipped back into the bottom four after getting tonked by Solo in front of another good crowd. Talking of good crowds the terraces were packed at Sidoarjo for the 0-0 with near rivals Arema which saw a small turnout of Arema fans who missed the referee Purwanto dish out yellows like confetti. He gave out a couple to Sidoarjo and 7 to the visitors.
Bandung v Sleman 2-1 20,000
Tangerang v Sriwijaya 0-2 15,000
Pelita Jaya v North Jakarta 1-1 8,000
Padang v Kediri 2-0 5,000
Jakarta v Malang 3-1 6,000
Banda Aceh v Semarang 1-0 10,000
Deli Serdang v Lamongan 1-0 4,500
1. Sriwijaya 23 points
2. Medan 23
3. Bandung 19
4. Jakarta 17
Perhaps feeling put out by their rivals Tangerang City's efforts against Jakarta, Tangerang's fans decided it was their turn to make the headlines by jumping the fence and lobbing rocks at the visiting Siriwijaya support. Victory would have seen their team cement 4th spot. Talking cement, Padang of course are sponsored by a cement producer and they surprisingly beat Kediri with a couple fo goals scored by the wonderfully named Gbeneme Friday. Jakarta leapt to 4th with a comfortable 3 points against Malang in front of just 6,000. 'Cos no one knew what the kick off was eh???
Group 2
Jayapura v Wamena 0-2 25,000
Jepara v Bali 2-0 16,000
Solo v Surabaya 5-0 25,000
Persibom v Botang 2-1
Sidoarjo v Arema Malang 0-0 30,000
Yogyakrta v Pasaruan Division 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar 20 points
2. Jayapura 16
3. Sidoarjo 15
4. Wamena 15
5. Ternate 15
The Papuan Derby ended in a surprise 2-0 victory for the visitors with two second half goals. Jepara may not be one of the bigger names in the League but they pull reasonable crowds. 16,000 saw them beat Bali. Surabaya slipped back into the bottom four after getting tonked by Solo in front of another good crowd. Talking of good crowds the terraces were packed at Sidoarjo for the 0-0 with near rivals Arema which saw a small turnout of Arema fans who missed the referee Purwanto dish out yellows like confetti. He gave out a couple to Sidoarjo and 7 to the visitors.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sidoarjo v Arema Malang
Once in a while a goalkeeper truly can be a match winner, Their performance has helped their team to a result that otherwise they didn't deserve. 1973 was a good year for goalkeepers. Who can forget Jim Montgomery single handedly holding Leeds United, then perhaps the biggest club in England, at bay before Sunderland, then in the old Second Division, went on to win the FA Cup.
Later that year Jan Tomaszewski, dubbed the clown by Brian Clogh, stood between England and World Cup qualification.
Today Achmad Kurniawan stood between annihalation and respectabilty. History records a 0-0 draw but those who watched the game will remember it for a superlative performance by AK as he is affectionately known. Whether I remember it in 34 years time remains to be seen but it is a performance that deserves a wider stage.
If only England could
play as well they talk they would be world beaters.
As Roy Keane said about the Irish the same old non performing egos get picked time after time and just don't do the business.
As Roy Keane said about the Irish the same old non performing egos get picked time after time and just don't do the business.
It's only a matter of time
On Friday the Jakmania website reported the kick off for the game against Malang had been changed to 18.55. Not seeing it on the Indonesian FA site or in the paper I took the Jakmania at their word and planned Saturday round the fixture.
On the way to the pub we contacted a member of the Tanah Abang Supporters Club and he said the kick off was 4pm! Odd as most games kick off at 3.30. We saw a couple of busloads of fans heading to the stadium so we went to have a look see. Our Tanah Abang mate confirmed 4pm. The stadium forecourt was relatively quiet. There was a band but not many fans lingering around.
We went to the ticket office. They said 4pm! We bought our tickets and went to the entrance. The gate man said 3.30! We sat down and waited. The stadium was less than half full though the main terrace that houses the Jakarta supporters did fill up later both terraces behind the goals were mostly empty.
The game kicked off about 3.40!
After the game our Tanah Abang chap texted us. Kick off 7pm he said!
On the way to the pub we contacted a member of the Tanah Abang Supporters Club and he said the kick off was 4pm! Odd as most games kick off at 3.30. We saw a couple of busloads of fans heading to the stadium so we went to have a look see. Our Tanah Abang mate confirmed 4pm. The stadium forecourt was relatively quiet. There was a band but not many fans lingering around.
We went to the ticket office. They said 4pm! We bought our tickets and went to the entrance. The gate man said 3.30! We sat down and waited. The stadium was less than half full though the main terrace that houses the Jakarta supporters did fill up later both terraces behind the goals were mostly empty.
The game kicked off about 3.40!
After the game our Tanah Abang chap texted us. Kick off 7pm he said!
Jakarta v Malang in pictures
Bambang celebrating his goal moments after Malang had equalised
A Jakarta corner
The players shaking hands before kick off. The banner just behind them says Fair Play, something that happens all to rarely in football
Malang players warming up before kick off
More crowd trouble
Yesterday's showpiece fixture between Tangerang and Siriwijaya was marred by crowd trouble as the visitors returned to the top of the table with a 2-0 victory. Tangerang fans invaded the pitch and tried to get at the handful of Siriwijaya who cowered beneath thir banners as rocks and bottles rained down on them. Trouble continued outside with a coach and some cars getting broken windows to remind them of their day out.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Jakarta v Malang
3-1
Report and images later. Maaf but I'm pissed and ready for my bed
Report and images later. Maaf but I'm pissed and ready for my bed
Casual gets it wrong!!
A couple of days ago I reported that Jakarta's fans had been banned from travelling to the next 5 away games. That was correct. What was wrong was the fixtures I listed here.
In fact the games are:
Lamongan
Semarang
Sleman
Bandung
Pelita Jaya
Whoops!
In fact the games are:
Lamongan
Semarang
Sleman
Bandung
Pelita Jaya
Whoops!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Match of the Day + other stuff
Tomorrow, in my book at least, sees Tangerang host Siriwijaya. Victory for the Viola would see them rise to 4th spot providing other results go there way. It also sees 2 of Indonesia's top coaches pit their wits against each other. Benny Dolo, architect of much of Arema Malang's recent success, moved to Tangerang in the close season and he faces Rahmad Dharmawan who guided Jayapura to the Championship in 2005
Jakarta's match with Malang has been rearranged to 18.55 so it can be shown locally on TV. It will also be a good workout for the flodlights at Lebuk Bulus because next Wednesday the venue will host the Olympic Qualifier against Lebanon. The Lebanese weren't keen on the add on flight to Makassar and whinged about it but to be honest all they needed to do was get a decent travel agent. Still, Makassar's loss is Jakarta's gain and who knows; the merah putih might even score a goal...
Jakarta's match with Malang has been rearranged to 18.55 so it can be shown locally on TV. It will also be a good workout for the flodlights at Lebuk Bulus because next Wednesday the venue will host the Olympic Qualifier against Lebanon. The Lebanese weren't keen on the add on flight to Makassar and whinged about it but to be honest all they needed to do was get a decent travel agent. Still, Makassar's loss is Jakarta's gain and who knows; the merah putih might even score a goal...
Poor Arema Malang
They arrive back from Korea today after their ACL excursions, where they lost 2-0 to Chunnam Dragons but they can forget about putting their feet up. They've had their feet up on the flight for god's sake. Nope, they can shift from Juanda Airport in Surabaya and prepare for a vital away game at nearby Sidoarjo on the Sunday.
Vital because Arema lie 12th and 4 points off 4th place Sidoarjo. 3 points are a must.
Vital because Arema lie 12th and 4 points off 4th place Sidoarjo. 3 points are a must.
Persik Kediri
Kediri may have struggled to reach their usual high standards domestically but in the Asian Champions League their 1-0 victory against Shanghai Shenhua has got Asia talking. It's funny but you expect a team bearing the name Shanghai to be big and glamourous. To be brash and cocky as the city befits. An oriental Manchester United if you like. But despite plenty of possession they were turned over by what is to be frank some country bumpkin outfit who couldn't even use their own stadium for ACL fixtures.
That's not strictly fair of course. Since ariving in the big time in 2003 Persik Kediri have been Indonesian Champions twice. That's twice more than Arema Malang! Under coach Daniel Roekito they play football the way it should be played. In Christian Gonzalez and Fagundez they have a couple of imports who add something to the game here.
Rain, a working day and a lengthy trip kept the crowd on Wednesday night to 7,000 but with Sydney FC up next it is to be hoped Kediri have the confidence to go into that fixture knowing they can get something out of it. Jiminez, the Shanghai coach bemoaned the rain and the poor playing conditions in Solo but of course that was true for both sides. The one time Kediri got their slick passing together they scored an Arsenal type goal. In the last minute a similar movement saw the final shot slowed up in the mud and the keeper had little difficulty in making the save.
Domestically though Kediri will be looking for a result next week when they visit Lebuk Bulus to play Jakarta. The ACL is still a couple of weeks away, plenty of time to think about that later!
That's not strictly fair of course. Since ariving in the big time in 2003 Persik Kediri have been Indonesian Champions twice. That's twice more than Arema Malang! Under coach Daniel Roekito they play football the way it should be played. In Christian Gonzalez and Fagundez they have a couple of imports who add something to the game here.
Rain, a working day and a lengthy trip kept the crowd on Wednesday night to 7,000 but with Sydney FC up next it is to be hoped Kediri have the confidence to go into that fixture knowing they can get something out of it. Jiminez, the Shanghai coach bemoaned the rain and the poor playing conditions in Solo but of course that was true for both sides. The one time Kediri got their slick passing together they scored an Arsenal type goal. In the last minute a similar movement saw the final shot slowed up in the mud and the keeper had little difficulty in making the save.
Domestically though Kediri will be looking for a result next week when they visit Lebuk Bulus to play Jakarta. The ACL is still a couple of weeks away, plenty of time to think about that later!
More Australian teams to visit Indonesia???
Football Dynamics Asia is an altogether more serious website devoted to the business of football in Asia. It recently ran a story that caught my eye relating as it does to the development of the local football scene.
The Western Australian government has done a deal with East Java which will, it is hoped, lead to the frequent interchange of clubs between the two regions. East Java may lack the infrastructure of Jakarta, witness Champions Kediri having to play their ACL games at Solo, but it is a hot bed of football in Indonesia and boasts many powerhouses. Persebaya Surabaya have long been a major force in the game, Arema Malang a more recent addition but possibly the future. They were formed just 20 years ago and have become one of the glamour clubs, famous for their loyal support. I’ve already mentioned Kediri. Last season Pasaruan Division fared well in the domestic league while we can also add to the mix Lamongan, Sidoarjo Deltras and Malang. In the second tier we have Gresik United waiting for a chance to shine in the big time. Sidoarjo and Gresik also boast more modern stadiums than some of the established big boys.
Perth Glory are one of the big names of Australian football and it is to be hoped they get the chance to pit their wits against Indonesia’s finest. Last December in the Bang Yos Gold Cup we saw Bulleen Zebras and Manly United visit Jakarta and they failed miserably against the likes of Jakarta, Kediri, Semarang and Medan. Performances in the Asian Champions League to date, one win and three defeats, show that what Indonesia needs is to play against the best in the region on a regular basis. That, coupled with a major rehaul of the domestic set up, should help them become a major force in the region but that is a process that will take many years. The tie up with Australia is instructive.
Back in 1984 I went to Highbury to see Arsenal play Australia in a meaningless friendly. We won 3-2 in front of 4000 fans. A couple of years later I moved down under and seeking my football fix enquired locally. I went to the tourist office, I asked friends. No one knew squit about the local football scene. I finally found a football weekly that looked at the Australian scene. There was a national league called West End National Soccer League and to show how low a profile the game was then in a country of beer guzzlers West End was nothing but a quaint brew local to South Australia.
I started following St George. Primarily because they were closedt to where I lived, easiest to get to and because they lacked much of the ethnic baggage that most clubs carried. Sydney Croatia against Melbourne Croatia was billed as a Croatian Derby! Start names then were Frank Farina and Graham Arnold!
Many games were ruined by poor pitches; Wentworth Park which hosted APIA Leichardt a few times was a shocker. Hooliganism was a frequent occurrence and I well remember nasty scenes involving Preston Makedonia when thye came to Sydney. Preston, from Melbourne, weren’t blessed with a fanatical away support. Local Makedonians mobbed up to follow them. With Croation and Serbian backed clubs I was an expert on Balkan hatred before Milosovic introduced the world to Greater Serbia and ethnic cleansing.
I left Australia in 1991. The last Grand Final for the newly named Quit National Soccer League was played in Melbourne and saw a record crowd at a football match of some 26,000.
Things have changed greatly now. Australia have finally found a format for a domestic league that seems, at the moment, to work, In the recent ACL people were complaining that only 21,000 fans turned up! Australian players round the world don’t rate a second glance now there’s so many of them. Compare that to the excitement when Rangers took Scott Playle, a youngster from Brisbane Easts, on trial back in ’87. And of course there was the World Cup in 2006. Australia has found its place on the world football stage but it took years of determination and tinkering. They regularly play internationals at European stadiums and get far bigger crowds than those hardy few who stood and sat at Highbury way back when. Indonesia can do the same. They would though perhaps find it easier once they allow professionals to run the game and not appointees!
The Western Australian government has done a deal with East Java which will, it is hoped, lead to the frequent interchange of clubs between the two regions. East Java may lack the infrastructure of Jakarta, witness Champions Kediri having to play their ACL games at Solo, but it is a hot bed of football in Indonesia and boasts many powerhouses. Persebaya Surabaya have long been a major force in the game, Arema Malang a more recent addition but possibly the future. They were formed just 20 years ago and have become one of the glamour clubs, famous for their loyal support. I’ve already mentioned Kediri. Last season Pasaruan Division fared well in the domestic league while we can also add to the mix Lamongan, Sidoarjo Deltras and Malang. In the second tier we have Gresik United waiting for a chance to shine in the big time. Sidoarjo and Gresik also boast more modern stadiums than some of the established big boys.
Perth Glory are one of the big names of Australian football and it is to be hoped they get the chance to pit their wits against Indonesia’s finest. Last December in the Bang Yos Gold Cup we saw Bulleen Zebras and Manly United visit Jakarta and they failed miserably against the likes of Jakarta, Kediri, Semarang and Medan. Performances in the Asian Champions League to date, one win and three defeats, show that what Indonesia needs is to play against the best in the region on a regular basis. That, coupled with a major rehaul of the domestic set up, should help them become a major force in the region but that is a process that will take many years. The tie up with Australia is instructive.
Back in 1984 I went to Highbury to see Arsenal play Australia in a meaningless friendly. We won 3-2 in front of 4000 fans. A couple of years later I moved down under and seeking my football fix enquired locally. I went to the tourist office, I asked friends. No one knew squit about the local football scene. I finally found a football weekly that looked at the Australian scene. There was a national league called West End National Soccer League and to show how low a profile the game was then in a country of beer guzzlers West End was nothing but a quaint brew local to South Australia.
I started following St George. Primarily because they were closedt to where I lived, easiest to get to and because they lacked much of the ethnic baggage that most clubs carried. Sydney Croatia against Melbourne Croatia was billed as a Croatian Derby! Start names then were Frank Farina and Graham Arnold!
Many games were ruined by poor pitches; Wentworth Park which hosted APIA Leichardt a few times was a shocker. Hooliganism was a frequent occurrence and I well remember nasty scenes involving Preston Makedonia when thye came to Sydney. Preston, from Melbourne, weren’t blessed with a fanatical away support. Local Makedonians mobbed up to follow them. With Croation and Serbian backed clubs I was an expert on Balkan hatred before Milosovic introduced the world to Greater Serbia and ethnic cleansing.
I left Australia in 1991. The last Grand Final for the newly named Quit National Soccer League was played in Melbourne and saw a record crowd at a football match of some 26,000.
Things have changed greatly now. Australia have finally found a format for a domestic league that seems, at the moment, to work, In the recent ACL people were complaining that only 21,000 fans turned up! Australian players round the world don’t rate a second glance now there’s so many of them. Compare that to the excitement when Rangers took Scott Playle, a youngster from Brisbane Easts, on trial back in ’87. And of course there was the World Cup in 2006. Australia has found its place on the world football stage but it took years of determination and tinkering. They regularly play internationals at European stadiums and get far bigger crowds than those hardy few who stood and sat at Highbury way back when. Indonesia can do the same. They would though perhaps find it easier once they allow professionals to run the game and not appointees!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Crowd disturbances
The FA Disciplinary Committee are being kept busy even at this early stage of the season. They met recently and got a little peeved with Persija Jakarta and their following The Jakmania.
The Jakmania have been banned from travelling to the next 5 away games after recnt disturbances in Bogor and Tangerang over the last couple of weeks. The punishment is daft though because the horse bolted ages back and with 4 of the next 5 aways scheduled for Lamongan, Semarang, Banda Aceh and Bireuen it's not really going to hurt too much. (Last season Jakarta took about 1000 to Semarang.) The fifth game is against Bandung...
Tangerang City's fans, the Benteng Mania, are also punished. But while Persija Jakarta are hit with a 25 million fine Tangerang City and Bogor Division get nothing.
Jayapura also got a 10 million fine because their supporters through plastic water bottles at visiting Arema Malang players recently
The Jakmania have been banned from travelling to the next 5 away games after recnt disturbances in Bogor and Tangerang over the last couple of weeks. The punishment is daft though because the horse bolted ages back and with 4 of the next 5 aways scheduled for Lamongan, Semarang, Banda Aceh and Bireuen it's not really going to hurt too much. (Last season Jakarta took about 1000 to Semarang.) The fifth game is against Bandung...
Tangerang City's fans, the Benteng Mania, are also punished. But while Persija Jakarta are hit with a 25 million fine Tangerang City and Bogor Division get nothing.
Jayapura also got a 10 million fine because their supporters through plastic water bottles at visiting Arema Malang players recently
Bandung v Sleman 2-1
Bandung move to within a point of Sriwijaya with a hard fought victory over Sleman who so rarely feature on TV!
They have the weekend off but with only Malang and Lamongan the only teams capable of overtaking them they can rest easy. Not only do the Bandung boys have a better goal difference, Malang visit Jakarta and Lamongan, with the second best away record in the league, make the lengthy journey to Deli Serdang. The team from East Java will fancy their chances in North Sumatra but should bear in mind Deli Serdang are unbeaten on their own patch.
They have the weekend off but with only Malang and Lamongan the only teams capable of overtaking them they can rest easy. Not only do the Bandung boys have a better goal difference, Malang visit Jakarta and Lamongan, with the second best away record in the league, make the lengthy journey to Deli Serdang. The team from East Java will fancy their chances in North Sumatra but should bear in mind Deli Serdang are unbeaten on their own patch.
Jiminez beats the keeper with a fortuitous bounce and the Bandung recovery is almost complete.
2-1 with 7 minutes on the clock
2-1 with 7 minutes on the clock
Midweek Review
Group 1
Medan v Deli Serdang 1-0 2,000 (Local Derby!!!)
Bireuen v Banda Aceh 1-1 8,000 (Aceh Derby!)
Semarang v Bogor Division 1-0 12,000
Lamongan v Tangerang City 1-0 7,000
Bandung v Sleman
1. Medan P 10 W7 D2 L1 10-3 23 points
2. Sriwijaya P9 W6 D2 L1 11-4 20
3. Bandung P9 W6 D1 L2 16-9 19
4. Malang P9 W5 D1 L3 12-9 16
Semarang make it two wins on the bounce with another goal by Julio Lopez, that's 2 in 2 for their new striker. Tangerang City failed to score again but when you have just 3 in 10 games and 1 of them was an og then it's not really news it?
Group 2
Makassar v Manado 3-1 15,000
Manokwari v Persibom 0-0 13,000
Botang v Minhasa 2-0 5,000
Balikpapan v Ternate 1-0 9,000
1. Makassar P 10 W6 D2 L2 11-5 20 points
2. Jayapura P8 W5 D1 L2 15-7 16
3. Ternate P10 W4 D3 L3 9-7 15
4. Sidoarjo P8 W4 D2 L2 14 8 14
Makassar can't stop scoring with 5 in their last 2 games at home.
Medan v Deli Serdang 1-0 2,000 (Local Derby!!!)
Bireuen v Banda Aceh 1-1 8,000 (Aceh Derby!)
Semarang v Bogor Division 1-0 12,000
Lamongan v Tangerang City 1-0 7,000
Bandung v Sleman
1. Medan P 10 W7 D2 L1 10-3 23 points
2. Sriwijaya P9 W6 D2 L1 11-4 20
3. Bandung P9 W6 D1 L2 16-9 19
4. Malang P9 W5 D1 L3 12-9 16
Semarang make it two wins on the bounce with another goal by Julio Lopez, that's 2 in 2 for their new striker. Tangerang City failed to score again but when you have just 3 in 10 games and 1 of them was an og then it's not really news it?
Group 2
Makassar v Manado 3-1 15,000
Manokwari v Persibom 0-0 13,000
Botang v Minhasa 2-0 5,000
Balikpapan v Ternate 1-0 9,000
1. Makassar P 10 W6 D2 L2 11-5 20 points
2. Jayapura P8 W5 D1 L2 15-7 16
3. Ternate P10 W4 D3 L3 9-7 15
4. Sidoarjo P8 W4 D2 L2 14 8 14
Makassar can't stop scoring with 5 in their last 2 games at home.
Halfway through the second half and still Sleman have the lead but penalty for Bandung.
Cabanas places it in the bottom corner and Bandung are back in it.
1-1
Cabanas places it in the bottom corner and Bandung are back in it.
1-1
It's been all one way but Sleman attacked once and scored. The fanatic Vikings are still getting behind their teams but as the game wears on and if their forwards keep on being so profligate in front of goal that could change.
Bandung have a 100% home record.
Sleman have one point and one goal from their travels.
This won't last...
...will it???
Sleman have one point and one goal from their travels.
This won't last...
...will it???
Well that's a turnip
Sleman take the lead at Bandung through a geezer called George
1-0. Funny old game innit
1-0. Funny old game innit
The national team
The Indonesian National team is in transition. Despite remaining unbeaten at the recent ASEAN Football Championship, lack of goals cost the merah-putih the chance of qualifying and ultimately cost former European Cup Winner Peter Withe his job.
Bulgarian Ivan Kolev has taken over the helm but it remains to see how much better he can do with the resources available to him. The big problem at the ASEAN was scoring goals. Singapore thumped minnows Laos 11-0. Indonesia went a goal down before eventually winning 3-1.
Domestically the Indonesian League allows a maximum of 5 foreigners per team and this translates into the scoring charts. Just one out of the top 10 scorers as of last weekend is local. Aliyudin, with 6 goals, has looked impressive at new club Persija Jakarta alongside possibly the biggest name in Indonesian football Bambang Pangkumas. But while Aliyudin has been scoring the goals Bambang has netted just twice after a successful spell in Malaysia with Selangor.
BP, as he is fondly known, looks good. He moves well off the ball, has good control and is effective in the air but is still finding his scoring touch.
Indonesia’s problems in front of goal extend down to the Under 23’s who spent many months in The Netherlands last year preparing for the Asian Games in Qatar. They needn’t bothered, ignominiously returning home early.
They are now preparing for the Olympic Games and still they can’t score. In the Pre Qualifiers they scored just once, in the last minute at home, against The Maldives over the 2 legs despite pummeling them in Jakarta. And in the Qualifiers proper 2 defeats in 2 games have been matched by 2 blank sheets, at Oman and at home to Vietnam.
Ivan Kolev has a simple job if Indonesia are to get through the group stage of the upcoming Asian Cup. They must score goals against Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain. Failure to do so and he may not last until the SEA Games later this year.
They do try to play football on the ground which is in their favour but in front of goal, be it 6 yards or 36 yards they seem to get a rush of blood to the head and go for glory, wellying it as hard as possible and sacrificing placement in the process.
Last season most of the LEAGUE WENT 3-5-2 because that was how the national team was expected to play but I understand Peter Withe changed tactics mid ASEAN (you might want to confirm that elsewhere!).
They are in a tough group and despite all the preparations, they’re having a mid season break starting the end of April, I can’t see them getting past the big boys in the group.
Bulgarian Ivan Kolev has taken over the helm but it remains to see how much better he can do with the resources available to him. The big problem at the ASEAN was scoring goals. Singapore thumped minnows Laos 11-0. Indonesia went a goal down before eventually winning 3-1.
Domestically the Indonesian League allows a maximum of 5 foreigners per team and this translates into the scoring charts. Just one out of the top 10 scorers as of last weekend is local. Aliyudin, with 6 goals, has looked impressive at new club Persija Jakarta alongside possibly the biggest name in Indonesian football Bambang Pangkumas. But while Aliyudin has been scoring the goals Bambang has netted just twice after a successful spell in Malaysia with Selangor.
BP, as he is fondly known, looks good. He moves well off the ball, has good control and is effective in the air but is still finding his scoring touch.
Indonesia’s problems in front of goal extend down to the Under 23’s who spent many months in The Netherlands last year preparing for the Asian Games in Qatar. They needn’t bothered, ignominiously returning home early.
They are now preparing for the Olympic Games and still they can’t score. In the Pre Qualifiers they scored just once, in the last minute at home, against The Maldives over the 2 legs despite pummeling them in Jakarta. And in the Qualifiers proper 2 defeats in 2 games have been matched by 2 blank sheets, at Oman and at home to Vietnam.
Ivan Kolev has a simple job if Indonesia are to get through the group stage of the upcoming Asian Cup. They must score goals against Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bahrain. Failure to do so and he may not last until the SEA Games later this year.
They do try to play football on the ground which is in their favour but in front of goal, be it 6 yards or 36 yards they seem to get a rush of blood to the head and go for glory, wellying it as hard as possible and sacrificing placement in the process.
Last season most of the LEAGUE WENT 3-5-2 because that was how the national team was expected to play but I understand Peter Withe changed tactics mid ASEAN (you might want to confirm that elsewhere!).
They are in a tough group and despite all the preparations, they’re having a mid season break starting the end of April, I can’t see them getting past the big boys in the group.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Job done.
Kediri get the result 1-0
Funnily enough the same score at Lamongan which was always going to be enough. Can you imagine Tangerang City scoring away from home???
Kediri get the result 1-0
Funnily enough the same score at Lamongan which was always going to be enough. Can you imagine Tangerang City scoring away from home???
Shanghai are getting closer.
A header just over and a smart save keeping them out
Nervy times in the Kediri defence and Giminez, the Shanghai coach, is prowling the technical area nervously.
A header just over and a smart save keeping them out
Nervy times in the Kediri defence and Giminez, the Shanghai coach, is prowling the technical area nervously.
The Kediri fans are celebrating but there's still a long way to go and Shanghai are the ones still pressing. A second goal would calm the nerves as well as improvinvg the goal difference
First time Kediri get their passing together. Slick one twos split Shanghai and leave Berta with a simple tap in.
1-0 Kediri with 20 minutes to go
1-0 Kediri with 20 minutes to go
Shanghai break but from 20 yards shoot over
0-0
Kediri are being allowed plenty of possession but without a quality ball forward they are rarely troubling Shanghai.
They are getting frustrated and a yellow card has been shown to Davilo despite winning a free kick.
A daisy cutter from 35 yards ain't gonna trouble anyone but the worms.
0-0
Kediri are being allowed plenty of possession but without a quality ball forward they are rarely troubling Shanghai.
They are getting frustrated and a yellow card has been shown to Davilo despite winning a free kick.
A daisy cutter from 35 yards ain't gonna trouble anyone but the worms.
Mind you when they go long with a corner the ball goes out before any head can get near it!
Elementary errors that you might expect from Arsenal
Elementary errors that you might expect from Arsenal
Shanghai are having the upper hand second half, attacking a lot down the right but the pitch is doing no one any favours. Gonzalez is being well shackled up front and Kediri, (nickname the White Lions) look short of ideas in the midfield.
Finally they get to the bye line and pull the ball back but 2 Kediri players collide with each other and the ball goes harmlessly out of player.
Maybe Kediri substiute Bertha can provide some inventiveness, Sudarsono has been quiet
Free kick for Shanghai giiven away on the edge of the D, keeper saves well. The resulting throw in is cleared for a corner which is played short and ;ost.
Does anyone else think the short corner is a waste of time??
Finally they get to the bye line and pull the ball back but 2 Kediri players collide with each other and the ball goes harmlessly out of player.
Maybe Kediri substiute Bertha can provide some inventiveness, Sudarsono has been quiet
Free kick for Shanghai giiven away on the edge of the D, keeper saves well. The resulting throw in is cleared for a corner which is played short and ;ost.
Does anyone else think the short corner is a waste of time??
Half time
0-0
Too much stuff down the middle and getting stuck in the mud
Let's hope for more second half
Lamongan 1-0 up after 43 minutes, also in he mud and bugger me it's started raining here..
Too much stuff down the middle and getting stuck in the mud
Let's hope for more second half
Lamongan 1-0 up after 43 minutes, also in he mud and bugger me it's started raining here..
The other game
The middle of the pitch is like a swamp, difficult to play football, both teams ned to go wide.
Very scrappy at the moment
Very scrappy at the moment
Free kick 25 yards out for Kediri
Fagundez beats the wall but it's comfortable for tghe keeper
0-0
Fagundez beats the wall but it's comfortable for tghe keeper
0-0
Even the main stand looks empty.
What a shame Kediri cant play this game at their own stadium but while Solo is just 137 kilometres from Kediri it seems a lot further on Indonesian roads.
What a shame Kediri cant play this game at their own stadium but while Solo is just 137 kilometres from Kediri it seems a lot further on Indonesian roads.
Gonzalez threatens but Shanghai clear their lines. The corner is cleared at the near post. The second is played short and a tame shot from 25 yards barely reaches the keeper
5 minutes
It's a bit wet there and the terraces look pretty empty at either end. A few Solo fans taking the opportunity to enjoy some Champions League football
Shanghai free kick hits the wall and Kediri clear
0-0
Shanghai free kick hits the wall and Kediri clear
0-0
Lamongan v Tangerang City
Lest we forget there are still domestic league games being played today with the above fixture being shown live on TV.
I will though be concentrating on the Kediri game in the Asian Champions League 'cos that should get me more traffic!
Regular updates though on this game...
I will though be concentrating on the Kediri game in the Asian Champions League 'cos that should get me more traffic!
Regular updates though on this game...
Shanghai Shenhua
If you read Chinese then check out the Shanghai Shenhua website.
For those who can't this comes from the invaluble Wikipedia
Shanghai Shenhua (Simplified Chinese: 上海申花) is a Chinese Super League football club. They play at the 35,000 seat Hongkou Stadium in Shanghai, China and is owned by Zhu Jun(75%),Shanghai SVA Group, SMEG (Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group)and Huangpu Investment Ltd.(SMEG+Huangpu Investment 25%) Their head coach is Osvaldo Gimenez.
The club was founded on 10 December 1993 and was first sponsored by a local company named Shenhua (Shenhua also means "flower of Shanghai" in Chinese). At the end of 2001, Shenhua ended their sponsorship of club, then SVA and SMEG came aboard. The club changed its name to Shanghai Shenhua SVA SMEG Football Club (SFC). The team however is unique as it still retains "Shenhua" in its name while many other teams drop the name of their former sponsors completely.
The club is the most successful of the Shanghai teams, the others being Shanghai Zobon and, formally, Inter Shanghai. Shenhua are 2 time top-tier champions and 6 time runners up. Their biggest supporters club is called Blue Devil.
In 2007, Zhu Jun, the owner of in-city rival Shanghai United F.C. and The 9 bought a majority share of Shanghai Shenhua, thus began to merge the two clubs. The new club moved their home stadium to Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium in Pudong, Shanghai, which was the stadium Shanghai United F.C. played in last season. In the new squad submitted for the AFC Champions League, 17 players appeared in the China national football team or the China national under-23 football team.
The club was founded on 10 December 1993 and was first sponsored by a local company named Shenhua (Shenhua also means "flower of Shanghai" in Chinese). At the end of 2001, Shenhua ended their sponsorship of club, then SVA and SMEG came aboard. The club changed its name to Shanghai Shenhua SVA SMEG Football Club (SFC). The team however is unique as it still retains "Shenhua" in its name while many other teams drop the name of their former sponsors completely.
The club is the most successful of the Shanghai teams, the others being Shanghai Zobon and, formally, Inter Shanghai. Shenhua are 2 time top-tier champions and 6 time runners up. Their biggest supporters club is called Blue Devil.
In 2007, Zhu Jun, the owner of in-city rival Shanghai United F.C. and The 9 bought a majority share of Shanghai Shenhua, thus began to merge the two clubs. The new club moved their home stadium to Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium in Pudong, Shanghai, which was the stadium Shanghai United F.C. played in last season. In the new squad submitted for the AFC Champions League, 17 players appeared in the China national football team or the China national under-23 football team.
Kediri's first ever home defeat
Kediri's home defeat at the weekend against Tangerang was their first home defeat since they joined the big boys of Indonesian football back in 2003!
Star striker Christian Gonzalaz missed the game after missing training. As punishment he was sidelined and watched from the bench as his team lost that wonderful record.
Star striker Christian Gonzalaz missed the game after missing training. As punishment he was sidelined and watched from the bench as his team lost that wonderful record.
A little late but
Last weekends results!
Medan v Banda Aceh 1-0 10,000
Kediri v Tangerang 0-1 15,000
Malang v Pelita Jaya 2-1 7,000
Bireuen v Deli Serdang 1-0 10,000
Lamongan v Bogor Division 1-1 8,000
Semarang v Tangerang City 2-0 18,000
1. Sriwijaya P9 20 points
2. Medan P9 20
3. Bandung P8 16
4. Malang P9 16
Makassar v Persibom 2-2 15,000
Manokwari v Manado 2-0 13,000
Pasaruan Division v Solo 4-2 10,000
Botang v Ternate 1-0 7,000
Balakpapan v Minhasa 1-2 10,000
1. Makassar P9 17 Points
2. Jayapura P8 16
3. Ternate P9 15
4. Sidoarjo P8 14
Medan v Banda Aceh 1-0 10,000
Kediri v Tangerang 0-1 15,000
Malang v Pelita Jaya 2-1 7,000
Bireuen v Deli Serdang 1-0 10,000
Lamongan v Bogor Division 1-1 8,000
Semarang v Tangerang City 2-0 18,000
1. Sriwijaya P9 20 points
2. Medan P9 20
3. Bandung P8 16
4. Malang P9 16
Makassar v Persibom 2-2 15,000
Manokwari v Manado 2-0 13,000
Pasaruan Division v Solo 4-2 10,000
Botang v Ternate 1-0 7,000
Balakpapan v Minhasa 1-2 10,000
1. Makassar P9 17 Points
2. Jayapura P8 16
3. Ternate P9 15
4. Sidoarjo P8 14
ACL today
Kediri host Shanghai today in the second round of Asian Champions League. Well, they sort of host it. Kediri is miles from any airport and of course we can't have these footballers spending too long on the road after a long flight so the game has been moved to Solo.
Of course the Kediri fans, Persikmania, aren't so happy about the move but they optimistically hope to take some 50 coach loads of fans. Mind you, after losing at the weekend at home to Tangerang and it being a work day there might not be so many.
Ticket prices are cheap though with Kediri fans paying 10,000 for the terraces. General admission is 12,000 while seats cost 20,000 and 25,000.
Kediri need something out of this game to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. Watch this blog for regular updates!!!
Arema Malang visit Korea to play Chungnam Dragons.
Of course the Kediri fans, Persikmania, aren't so happy about the move but they optimistically hope to take some 50 coach loads of fans. Mind you, after losing at the weekend at home to Tangerang and it being a work day there might not be so many.
Ticket prices are cheap though with Kediri fans paying 10,000 for the terraces. General admission is 12,000 while seats cost 20,000 and 25,000.
Kediri need something out of this game to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. Watch this blog for regular updates!!!
Arema Malang visit Korea to play Chungnam Dragons.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Lamongan v Bogor Division
Hailing from East Java, Lamongan seem consigned to be forever overlooked when we talk about the big clubs. They're like Middlesboro, always there but part of the furniture. Football looks at East Java and thinks of Surabaya, Arema Malang, Kediri. Lamongan nary gets a mention.
Today was the first chance I'd had to see them as they hosted Rain City's own Bogor. 1-1 it ended with a couple of quality goals scored half way through the second half. The hosts took the lead after Bogor needlessly gave away a free kick on the edge of their box. Up stepped Gustavo and one sweet right foot later and it was top corner.
Minutes later and Bogor were back in it. Lamongan failed to clear a hopeful free kick punted into the box, a swivel and the ball was in the bottom corner.
And so it finished!
Makassar go top
I was meaning to do a piece about Group 2 giants Makassar and their reluctance to score goals but bugger me they only go and score twice in one game. They were however held to a 2-2 draw by Persibom (Bolaang Mongondow) at home just days after Indonesia's Under 23's fail to score at the same stadium against Vietnam in the Olympic Games qualifiers.
Makassar move one point clear at the top of group 2 with 17 points from 9 games but they must worry about lack of goals. 8 from 9 isn't title winning form lads.
The other Malang team
While the better known Arema Malang struggle in Group 2 in 8th spot, Malang go about their business quietly and successfully. Yesterday saw them host Pelita Jaya and the guests took the lead. Former Arema star Franco Hita scored twice to secure the points and confirm Malang in 4th spot, 4 points behind the joint leaders Medan and Sriwijaya on 16 points. Hita has now scored 7 goals and is the top scorer in the league while Arema have scored 7 all season.
Tangerang
The boys in violet from Tangerang are proving a very tough nut to crack this season as champions Kediri found out yesterday. Benson's goal in the 4oth minute proved enough and moved them up to 6th, level on points with Kediri and with just a single defeat all season. They can't score for toffee, just 7 goals in 8, but their defence is the 3rd best in the whole league with just 5 goals conceded.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Midweek stuff
Group 1
Tangerang City v Jakarta 0-0 10,000
Sleman v Kediri 0-2 10,000
Bandung v Malang 4-2 20,000
Bogor Division v Padang 3-1 6,000
1. Srwijaya 20 points
2. Medan 17
3. Bandung 16
4. Kediri 15
Christian Gonzales found his scoring boots as he scored twice to reignite Kediri's season with a 2-0 away win at Sleman. The goals came either side of half time and take his total to 5 for the season. Three of the top 4 have 100 % records but manage just a single away victory after 4 games. The team that copes best on the road should be strongly fancied for league glory.
Group 2
East Kalimantan v Balikpapan 1-2 7,000
Wamena v Arema Malang 4-1 10,000
Ternate v Yogyakarta 1-0 10,000
Jayapura v Pasaruan Division 6-0 20,000
Minhasa v Sidoarjo 1-1 8,000
Bali v Surabaya 3-2
1. Jayapura 16 Points
2. Makassar 16
3. Ternate 15
4. Sidoarjo 14
Great week for Papua! Right goal fest this week as well. Let's hope that continues.
Bit brief today, I'm having a blast down memory lane on You Tube
Tangerang City v Jakarta 0-0 10,000
Sleman v Kediri 0-2 10,000
Bandung v Malang 4-2 20,000
Bogor Division v Padang 3-1 6,000
1. Srwijaya 20 points
2. Medan 17
3. Bandung 16
4. Kediri 15
Christian Gonzales found his scoring boots as he scored twice to reignite Kediri's season with a 2-0 away win at Sleman. The goals came either side of half time and take his total to 5 for the season. Three of the top 4 have 100 % records but manage just a single away victory after 4 games. The team that copes best on the road should be strongly fancied for league glory.
Group 2
East Kalimantan v Balikpapan 1-2 7,000
Wamena v Arema Malang 4-1 10,000
Ternate v Yogyakarta 1-0 10,000
Jayapura v Pasaruan Division 6-0 20,000
Minhasa v Sidoarjo 1-1 8,000
Bali v Surabaya 3-2
1. Jayapura 16 Points
2. Makassar 16
3. Ternate 15
4. Sidoarjo 14
Great week for Papua! Right goal fest this week as well. Let's hope that continues.
Bit brief today, I'm having a blast down memory lane on You Tube
Crowd trouble again
Last Sunday saw crowd trouble when Jakarta made the short journey down to Bogor Division. The locals are blaming the fanatical Jakmania for the trouble saying they brought too many fans! Apparently the agreement had been for 3,000 but many more had travelled. How many more? Attendance figures here are notoriously unreliable. The crowd given for this game was 20,000 while on Wednesday Bogor hosted Padang and attracted 6,000! So are we looking at some 14,000 travelling Jakarta fans? All through the game the rival fans taunted each other and after it apparently kicked off big time.
Fast forward to Wednesday and I take no delight in anticpating trouble in Tangerang. Neither apparently did some official on the Disciplinary Committee of the Indonesian FA. He had been hearing for several days before the fixture that the Jakmania were firming up for the trip. If what he says is true then perhaps his colleagues on the committee should be talking to him?
I saw some of the trouble from the Tangerang City Jakarta game and to be honest the excerts were laughable. One incident showed a couple of mobs about 20 or strong lobbing stones at each other, seperated by a couple of motorcycle policemen! The Jakarta fans edged forward and the Benteng Mania, as the Tangerang City support is known, were away on their flip flops. Other scenes showed police firing tear gas to disperse rowdy elements.
The Benteng Mania are going down the same road as the Bogor fans. They are blaming Jakarta for taking too many fans. The agreement was supposedly for 300 but if they really believed Jakarta were going to travel up the road days after taking 14,000 away and just fill of couple of angkots then I believe Ken Barlow is the next manager of England! OK it was a school day and the crowd given was just 10,000 but estimates give the figure as 10,000. Anyway, why did the Benteng Mania try to barricade the Jakmania inside the ground as was reported locally?
Jakarta have 3 more high profile away games this season. They return to Tangerang to do battle (deliberately) with their old foes Tangerang. Slightly further afield are Pelita Jaya and Bandung. Like it or not, good support or bad, Jakarta's fans will be marked as the local wannabes will take umbrage at the invasion of their town by the arrogant big city boys in orange. I said it a couple of days back and I'll say it again. A way needs to be found for such high profile games to be made all ticket.
Fast forward to Wednesday and I take no delight in anticpating trouble in Tangerang. Neither apparently did some official on the Disciplinary Committee of the Indonesian FA. He had been hearing for several days before the fixture that the Jakmania were firming up for the trip. If what he says is true then perhaps his colleagues on the committee should be talking to him?
I saw some of the trouble from the Tangerang City Jakarta game and to be honest the excerts were laughable. One incident showed a couple of mobs about 20 or strong lobbing stones at each other, seperated by a couple of motorcycle policemen! The Jakarta fans edged forward and the Benteng Mania, as the Tangerang City support is known, were away on their flip flops. Other scenes showed police firing tear gas to disperse rowdy elements.
The Benteng Mania are going down the same road as the Bogor fans. They are blaming Jakarta for taking too many fans. The agreement was supposedly for 300 but if they really believed Jakarta were going to travel up the road days after taking 14,000 away and just fill of couple of angkots then I believe Ken Barlow is the next manager of England! OK it was a school day and the crowd given was just 10,000 but estimates give the figure as 10,000. Anyway, why did the Benteng Mania try to barricade the Jakmania inside the ground as was reported locally?
Jakarta have 3 more high profile away games this season. They return to Tangerang to do battle (deliberately) with their old foes Tangerang. Slightly further afield are Pelita Jaya and Bandung. Like it or not, good support or bad, Jakarta's fans will be marked as the local wannabes will take umbrage at the invasion of their town by the arrogant big city boys in orange. I said it a couple of days back and I'll say it again. A way needs to be found for such high profile games to be made all ticket.
Bali v Surabaya 3-2
Ok it wasn't a penalty but I think overall Persigi Bali did just enough to earn the 3 points over the 90 minutes. Deep into injury time it was Bali still pressing but the cheer that greeted the final whistle was tinged with more than a little relief.
One of the better games of the season so far.
One of the better games of the season so far.
The referee's an Olive
Oh dear
The ability to fall on the edge of the box does not a penalty equal.
Unless the ref is as short sighted as Olive
3-2 to Bali, great game but I think Surabaya can be a bit peeved with the ref about that decision.
Unless the ref is as short sighted as Olive
3-2 to Bali, great game but I think Surabaya can be a bit peeved with the ref about that decision.
Exciting stuff
1 - great save
2 - hit the post
3 - cut inside and legs taken away
4 - penalty
5 - 2-2
and then Rojas looks at a ball boy cos he isn't given a ball quick enough. God these players can be so immature at times.
Small turnout of Surabaya fans by the way.
2 - hit the post
3 - cut inside and legs taken away
4 - penalty
5 - 2-2
and then Rojas looks at a ball boy cos he isn't given a ball quick enough. God these players can be so immature at times.
Small turnout of Surabaya fans by the way.
Cracking goal
Marcus buries it in the top corner right on half time
2-1 to Bali and one for Dez...
2-1 to Bali and one for Dez...
Labels: ESPN Top Corner
Bali v Surabaya
Halfway through the first half and the visitors are 1 up.
No they're not, Bali just equalised and a well taken goal it was. Turning inside Marcouland took 2 players out the game. As he feinted to shoot the keeper and a defender committed themselves and as they fell he delightfully chipped the ball over their despairing bodies.
No they're not, Bali just equalised and a well taken goal it was. Turning inside Marcouland took 2 players out the game. As he feinted to shoot the keeper and a defender committed themselves and as they fell he delightfully chipped the ball over their despairing bodies.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
0-0
Half time
Jayapura
are 6-0 up against Pasaruan Division. Still 4-1 at Wamena so not a good day at the office for the pride of East Java over in Papua
Tangerang City v Jakarta
Is being played in a nearly empty stadium! There's some fans there, I can se the banners, but from what I can see there's mor police than fans.
Should fill up soon though, school's out!
0-0
Should fill up soon though, school's out!
0-0
Latest score
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Jakarta's away support
This season sees Persija Jakarta enjoying a few 'local' games. As well as North Jakarta, just 25 kilometres away is Tangerang where Tangerang City share the Benteng Stadium. 40 kilometres south Bogor Division are having their first season in the big time for a while. Out on the road to Bandung is Puwarkarta (sp?) where Pelita Jaya are playing this season and of course just down the road is Bandung.
The Jakmania do travel in numbers and therein lies the problem. Against North Jakarta pressure of the crowd forced the surrounding fence to give way and there were fans crowding round the touch line. At Bogor the crowd was given as 20,000 but again there were so many fans down from Jakarta that some were refused admission which led to frustrations and some disorder.
Tomorrow they travel to Tangerang City. Again we can see uncontrolled numbers of Jakarta fans travelling and the potential for crowd disorder is high. Last year of course there was serious trouble at the stadium. Allowing such large numbers to travel, remember the team have started well, is a recipe for disaster and the people who control the game need to consider make Jakarta's away games all ticket.
It would take a change in thinking but we can't go on having large numbers of kids roaming free unsupervised at stadiums. Football needs to attract more private money and companies won't want to be associated with a product that hits the headlines for the wrong reasons. Closing the stadiums is the easy way out and hurts the clubs in the pocket.
Of course there is more to it than just all ticket games. This is after all Indonesia where slipping the right person a few thousand is a way of life but action needs to be taken soon or football will continue to make the headlines for the wrong reasons.
The Jakmania do travel in numbers and therein lies the problem. Against North Jakarta pressure of the crowd forced the surrounding fence to give way and there were fans crowding round the touch line. At Bogor the crowd was given as 20,000 but again there were so many fans down from Jakarta that some were refused admission which led to frustrations and some disorder.
Tomorrow they travel to Tangerang City. Again we can see uncontrolled numbers of Jakarta fans travelling and the potential for crowd disorder is high. Last year of course there was serious trouble at the stadium. Allowing such large numbers to travel, remember the team have started well, is a recipe for disaster and the people who control the game need to consider make Jakarta's away games all ticket.
It would take a change in thinking but we can't go on having large numbers of kids roaming free unsupervised at stadiums. Football needs to attract more private money and companies won't want to be associated with a product that hits the headlines for the wrong reasons. Closing the stadiums is the easy way out and hurts the clubs in the pocket.
Of course there is more to it than just all ticket games. This is after all Indonesia where slipping the right person a few thousand is a way of life but action needs to be taken soon or football will continue to make the headlines for the wrong reasons.
The Borneo Derby
All eyes are on Kalimantan where Balikpapan make the journey to Bontang to play PKT. The game here is full of initals and regular readers may suss that PKT is East Kalimantan. The P refers to Pupuk which is fertiliser so come on you shits!
PKT are one of the few privately owned teams in The Liga Indonesia along with Arema Malang, Sidoarjo Deltras and Sriwijaya Palembang. It's the way to go lads, you shouldn't have local governments wasting 15 billion +++ rupiah of local taxpayers money on football, not when roads, schools and other basic necessaties are in such dire conditions.
Anyway Balikpapan, who expect some 1500 fans to make the journey, short or not I have no idea, are managed by Peter Butler who was a one time West Ham player. There you go! Apparently he commutes from KL to Balikpapan to coach the team who are 15th with 6 goals scored, 6 goals conceded and have 6 points. After 6 games of course!
Now I've set the game up nicely I can't see it because it's on a channel I can't get!
PKT are one of the few privately owned teams in The Liga Indonesia along with Arema Malang, Sidoarjo Deltras and Sriwijaya Palembang. It's the way to go lads, you shouldn't have local governments wasting 15 billion +++ rupiah of local taxpayers money on football, not when roads, schools and other basic necessaties are in such dire conditions.
Anyway Balikpapan, who expect some 1500 fans to make the journey, short or not I have no idea, are managed by Peter Butler who was a one time West Ham player. There you go! Apparently he commutes from KL to Balikpapan to coach the team who are 15th with 6 goals scored, 6 goals conceded and have 6 points. After 6 games of course!
Now I've set the game up nicely I can't see it because it's on a channel I can't get!
Labels: Peter Butler West Ham United Derby Borneo Balikpapn
Monday, March 12, 2007
Weekend round up
Group 1
Semarang v Lamongan 2-3 12,000
Sriwijaya v North Jakarta 1-0 30,000
Bandung v Kediri 2-0 21,000
Sleman v Malang 0-0 2,000
Tangerang City v Padang 1-0 3,000
Bogor Division v Jakarta 1-1 20,000
1. Sriwijaya P9 W6 D2 L1 11-4 20 Points
2. Medan P8 W5 D2 L1 8-3 17
3. Jakarta P7 W4 D1 L2 12-7 13
4. Malang P7 W4 D1 L2 8-4 13
Sriwijaya extended their 100% home record with another 1-0 victory against North Jakarta in front of a healthy crowd. However with 2 goals in 4 away games so far you don't need to read the Don Howe Coaching Book for Boys to see where they may struggle. A large crowd at Bogor saw 2 goals in the final 9 minutes, the home team equalising with 4 minutes left in a game marred by crowd trouble. Tangerang City got their first win of the season but stay bottom with 5 points while Malang sneaked into a top 4 spot with a 0-0 at Sleman in front of 2,000 hardy souls.
Group 2
Jayapura v Arema Malang 1-0 35,000
Wamena v Pasaruan Division 2-1 5,000
Ternate v Sidoarjo 1-1 8,000
Minhasa v Yogyakarta 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar P8 W5 D1 L2 6-2 16 Points
2. Sidoarjo P7 W4 D1 L2 13-7 13
3. Jayapura P7 W4 D1 L2 9-7 13
4. Ternate P7 W3 D3 L1 8-5 12
Crowd disturbances in Jayapura where the Papuan giants sneaked home with a goal in the last minute against Arema Malang.
Semarang v Lamongan 2-3 12,000
Sriwijaya v North Jakarta 1-0 30,000
Bandung v Kediri 2-0 21,000
Sleman v Malang 0-0 2,000
Tangerang City v Padang 1-0 3,000
Bogor Division v Jakarta 1-1 20,000
1. Sriwijaya P9 W6 D2 L1 11-4 20 Points
2. Medan P8 W5 D2 L1 8-3 17
3. Jakarta P7 W4 D1 L2 12-7 13
4. Malang P7 W4 D1 L2 8-4 13
Sriwijaya extended their 100% home record with another 1-0 victory against North Jakarta in front of a healthy crowd. However with 2 goals in 4 away games so far you don't need to read the Don Howe Coaching Book for Boys to see where they may struggle. A large crowd at Bogor saw 2 goals in the final 9 minutes, the home team equalising with 4 minutes left in a game marred by crowd trouble. Tangerang City got their first win of the season but stay bottom with 5 points while Malang sneaked into a top 4 spot with a 0-0 at Sleman in front of 2,000 hardy souls.
Group 2
Jayapura v Arema Malang 1-0 35,000
Wamena v Pasaruan Division 2-1 5,000
Ternate v Sidoarjo 1-1 8,000
Minhasa v Yogyakarta 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar P8 W5 D1 L2 6-2 16 Points
2. Sidoarjo P7 W4 D1 L2 13-7 13
3. Jayapura P7 W4 D1 L2 9-7 13
4. Ternate P7 W3 D3 L1 8-5 12
Crowd disturbances in Jayapura where the Papuan giants sneaked home with a goal in the last minute against Arema Malang.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Semarang continue to struggle
They lost 3-2 at home to Lamongan yesterday. Today sees Jakarta make the short journey to Cibinong where they play Bogor Division while champions Kediri visit Bandung hoping for an easier ride than their Champions League axcursion to Japan midweek
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Results this week
Group 1
Sriwijaya v Sleman 1-0 15,000
Jakarta North v Bandung 1-1 6,000
Padang v Bireun 1-0 1,000
Jakarta v Medan 2-0 8,000 (!)
1. Sriwijaya P8 W5 D2 L1 10-4 17 Points
2. Medan P8 W5 D2 L1 8-3 17
3. Kediri P6 W4 D0 L2 12-7 12
4. Jakarta P6 W4 D0 L2 11-6 12
5. Malang P6 W4 D0 L2 8-4 12
6. Tangerang P7 W3 D3 L1 12
Sriwijaya leapfrogged over Medan after their 1-0 victory against Sleman. Useless fact # whatever, 5 out of the 6 goals scored on Wednesday. Jakarta impressed again against Medan with a late 2-0 victory. Semarang play Saturday against Lamongan and they will be hoping for 3 points to shunt them up the table after their miserable start. Jakarta visit Bogor Division and will be hoping to inject some urgency into their away from. Tangerang City host Padang in a depressing looking fixture; eaxh teams last home game attracted crowds of less than 2,000! Still, City scored their first goal of the season in the 1-1 draw at Deli Serdang and now after 6 games Zandonadi is their top scorer with one goal. Along with og.!
Group B
Bali v Wamena 0-0 7,000
Surabaya v Jayapura 2-0 5,000
Sidoarjo v Manokwari 5-0 5,000
Yogyakarta v Makassar 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar P8 W5 D1 L2 6-2 16 Points
2. Sidoarjo P6 W4 D0 L2 12-6 12
3. Ternate P6 W3 D2 L1 7-4 11
4. Bali P8 W3 D2 L3 7-6 11
5. Solo P7 W3 D2 L2 6-6 11
Surabaya welcomed fans back to the stadium and they inflicted a second consecutive defeat on 05 champions Jayapura, rising to 9th in the process. Christopher Wreh received a yellow card along with 3 other Manokwari as they fell 5-0 at Sidoarjo, all the goals being scored by the Deltras foreign contingent. Makassar surprisingly fell at Yogyakarta but stay 4 points clear at the top of the table. Arema Malang remain the only unbeaten club in the League but they didn't play this week because of the Asian Champions League and they slipped to 6th. The highlight this weekend sees Arema Malang visit Jayapura.
Top Scorers:
6 Goals - Aliyudin (Jakarta)
5 Goals - Pronetto (Sidoarjo)
Sriwijaya v Sleman 1-0 15,000
Jakarta North v Bandung 1-1 6,000
Padang v Bireun 1-0 1,000
Jakarta v Medan 2-0 8,000 (!)
1. Sriwijaya P8 W5 D2 L1 10-4 17 Points
2. Medan P8 W5 D2 L1 8-3 17
3. Kediri P6 W4 D0 L2 12-7 12
4. Jakarta P6 W4 D0 L2 11-6 12
5. Malang P6 W4 D0 L2 8-4 12
6. Tangerang P7 W3 D3 L1 12
Sriwijaya leapfrogged over Medan after their 1-0 victory against Sleman. Useless fact # whatever, 5 out of the 6 goals scored on Wednesday. Jakarta impressed again against Medan with a late 2-0 victory. Semarang play Saturday against Lamongan and they will be hoping for 3 points to shunt them up the table after their miserable start. Jakarta visit Bogor Division and will be hoping to inject some urgency into their away from. Tangerang City host Padang in a depressing looking fixture; eaxh teams last home game attracted crowds of less than 2,000! Still, City scored their first goal of the season in the 1-1 draw at Deli Serdang and now after 6 games Zandonadi is their top scorer with one goal. Along with og.!
Group B
Bali v Wamena 0-0 7,000
Surabaya v Jayapura 2-0 5,000
Sidoarjo v Manokwari 5-0 5,000
Yogyakarta v Makassar 1-0 12,000
1. Makassar P8 W5 D1 L2 6-2 16 Points
2. Sidoarjo P6 W4 D0 L2 12-6 12
3. Ternate P6 W3 D2 L1 7-4 11
4. Bali P8 W3 D2 L3 7-6 11
5. Solo P7 W3 D2 L2 6-6 11
Surabaya welcomed fans back to the stadium and they inflicted a second consecutive defeat on 05 champions Jayapura, rising to 9th in the process. Christopher Wreh received a yellow card along with 3 other Manokwari as they fell 5-0 at Sidoarjo, all the goals being scored by the Deltras foreign contingent. Makassar surprisingly fell at Yogyakarta but stay 4 points clear at the top of the table. Arema Malang remain the only unbeaten club in the League but they didn't play this week because of the Asian Champions League and they slipped to 6th. The highlight this weekend sees Arema Malang visit Jayapura.
Top Scorers:
6 Goals - Aliyudin (Jakarta)
5 Goals - Pronetto (Sidoarjo)
Kediri lose
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Jakarta 2 up
With seconds on the clock the giant Abanda buries it from 25 yards.
And still they attack...the future is bright. The future is orange!
This is a very different Jakarta to last season. With Aliyudin, Bambang, Bayou and Rocha they always look like scoring.
Last year with Frank Seator, now Medan and Roger Batoum, now goalless at Tangerang City, you despaired of them hitting the target!
And still they attack...the future is bright. The future is orange!
This is a very different Jakarta to last season. With Aliyudin, Bambang, Bayou and Rocha they always look like scoring.
Last year with Frank Seator, now Medan and Roger Batoum, now goalless at Tangerang City, you despaired of them hitting the target!
Arema Malang v Kawasaki Frontale
Kawasaki were much the more assured team as they came to East Java and collected their first win of the Asian Champions League 2007.
Their crisp passing frequently tore Arema Malang apart especially in the second half and Arema offered little in return.
With successful coach Benny Dollo moving on and some of the last years' Cup Winning team also elsewhere Arema have looked a bit weak domestically this season and based on this showing there is little to suggest any improvement.
Their crisp passing frequently tore Arema Malang apart especially in the second half and Arema offered little in return.
With successful coach Benny Dollo moving on and some of the last years' Cup Winning team also elsewhere Arema have looked a bit weak domestically this season and based on this showing there is little to suggest any improvement.
Jakarta take the lead
They were queuing up
3-1 to Kawasaki, Nakamura kills off Arema who to be honest haven't done a thing second half.
The 75 Kawasaki fans are going mental!!
The 75 Kawasaki fans are going mental!!
Hendro saves
well twice but can't hold the ball. Arema fail to clear and Tavares gets his second.
2-1 Kawasaki and the famous Aremania are very quiet...
2-1 Kawasaki and the famous Aremania are very quiet...
Second half
Things are pretty quiet at Malang where Kawasaki have had a couple of long range efforts but nothing too dangerous. Arema need another goal though, I can't see them being good travellers...
Jakarta are still goalless with Medan
Jakarta are still goalless with Medan
Jakarta v Medan
Arema Malang v Kawasaki Frontale
1-1 at half time. Magnum Tavares gave the visitors the perfect start with a goal in the first minute but Arema equalised through Elie Aiboy after 12 minutes.
In the closing stages of the first half Kawasaki threatened the Malang goal a couple of times but both efforts went just past the post.
Essa broke through down the inside right but sensing glory blazed his shot wide.
In the closing stages of the first half Kawasaki threatened the Malang goal a couple of times but both efforts went just past the post.
Essa broke through down the inside right but sensing glory blazed his shot wide.
Last night's scores
Banda Aceh v Bogor Division 1-1
Deli Serdang v Tangerang City 1-1
Manado v Ternate 0-0
Persibom v Minhasa 1-1
Deli Serdang v Tangerang City 1-1
Manado v Ternate 0-0
Persibom v Minhasa 1-1
Football feast
Arema Malang play Kawasaki in the Asian Champions League while domestically Jakarta host Medan.
Midway through the first half and Arema in front of a healthy looking crowd are drawing 1-1.
Jakarta are being held 0-0
Midway through the first half and Arema in front of a healthy looking crowd are drawing 1-1.
Jakarta are being held 0-0
Labels: Asian Champions League Kawasaki Malang Arema
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Persija Jakarta - Indonesia's first glamour club???
Let's think about glamour clubs round the world. Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munchen, Celtic. What gives them the glamour. Tradition. Trophies. Players. Fans.
OK, Jakarta aren't in the same catagory but looking at the Indonesian scene they do have it all. They are one of the oldest clubs in Indonesia, 1928, as VIJ Jakarta. They changed the name in 1964 to Persija Jakarta.
They have a full trophy cabinet they can look back on.
League Champions
1931 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1933 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1934 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1938 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1964
1973
1975 (joint champions with PSMS Medan)
1977
1979
2001
2005 runners-up
1931 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1933 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1934 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1938 (as VIJ Jakarta)
1964
1973
1975 (joint champions with PSMS Medan)
1977
1979
2001
2005 runners-up
And this season they have the look of a quality squad. Up front Bambang and Aliyudin are starting to gel. Just behind them Javier Rocha is buzzing and Gustavo Ortiz is finding his range with his passing. Ismed Sofyan looks assured at full back. Hamka Hamza and Atep are sat on the bench for the first half...against Bireun they looked good.
Of course there is the Jakmania. Their fanatical support fill Lebuk Bulus to the rafters week after week but the stadium is small and compact. Would Jakarta benefit from moving to Bung Karno with its bigger capacity? I'm not sure. 100,000 takes a lot of filling, what Jakarta needs is a second stadium with a capacity of 30 or 40,000 but that seems highly unlikely.
The kit deal with Diadora is also a step in the right direction...well, it would be if the kit was made widely available throughout the city in sports shops. I haven't seen one anywhere yet! And maybe that's what is holding Jakarta back from true glamour. The club is owned by the Jakarta city government and with unaccountabilty and zero awareness of brand building it seems unlikely Jakarta could cash in on their popularity.
Still with increased exposure being given to Indonesian football through the web and on ESPN's Top Corner the wider Asian region is getting to know about The Jak!
Labels: Persija Jakarta Glamour ESPN Top Corner
Arsenal and Vietnam
Arsenal tie up a deal with a Vietnamese team. This follows on from a similar deal in Thailand. I wonder, will Indonesia be next or will they draw the line at clubs owned and run by local governments?
Gunners announce deal with Vietnamese club
Arsenal Football Club and Vietnamese League club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) are delighted to announce a technical and marketing partnership today, Tuesday 6th March, which will continue to develop the north London club’s presence in Asia.
The partnership will lead to the establishment and operation of an Arsenal elite football academy in Vietnam, technical support for the HAGL football team and various commercial, marketing and business support for the Vietnamese club. Arsenal will also use the partnership as an opportunity to further develop club-related marketing and merchandising initiatives along with community outreach soccer school activities in Vietnam.
Keith Edelman, Arsenal Managing Director said ‘It is the first venture of its kind by any major football club into Vietnam, a territory which is renowned for its love of football and we are delighted to have found a partner who shares the same goals as us — to develop the local game at all levels and help provide the foundations for the Club to have a genuine presence in the region’.
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said "We try to extend Arsenal in many territories, but in a way where we can make a difference with our technical cooperation. Of course, we want to develop future talent but I also support the local benefits of a great project which gives a chance to young players who have a dream. Our venture in Thailand and now Vietnam will show us if it's true that with the same quality of work, Asian players are as capable of making a career in Europe where you have a selection of the best players in the world’.
Mr. Duc, Chairman of Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC said ‘’We are delighted that such a prestigious and historic club as Arsenal is undertaking this joint venture with HAGL FC. Our club is looking forward to working with Arsenal to develop football in Vietnam and establish links which could in time open the door for Vietnamese players to play in England. Vietnamese football will greatly benefit from the experience and expertise of Arsenal and in turn Arsenal’s presence will expand in Asia through this partnership”.
The development of an Arsenal Academy in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai in conjunction with JMG will begin immediately on a 300 hectare site with the primary aim of developing the standard of football in the region. Academy players will also receive a high quality school education at the site. The structure mirrors the academies which Arsenal and JMG operate in Thailand and the one which Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue attended in the Ivory Coast. Arsenal will invite HAGL technical staff to its Hertfordshire training centre to study training methods and in turn will send representatives to Vietnam for significant periods to impose best practices both on and off-field.
Gunners announce deal with Vietnamese club
Arsenal Football Club and Vietnamese League club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) are delighted to announce a technical and marketing partnership today, Tuesday 6th March, which will continue to develop the north London club’s presence in Asia.
The partnership will lead to the establishment and operation of an Arsenal elite football academy in Vietnam, technical support for the HAGL football team and various commercial, marketing and business support for the Vietnamese club. Arsenal will also use the partnership as an opportunity to further develop club-related marketing and merchandising initiatives along with community outreach soccer school activities in Vietnam.
Keith Edelman, Arsenal Managing Director said ‘It is the first venture of its kind by any major football club into Vietnam, a territory which is renowned for its love of football and we are delighted to have found a partner who shares the same goals as us — to develop the local game at all levels and help provide the foundations for the Club to have a genuine presence in the region’.
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said "We try to extend Arsenal in many territories, but in a way where we can make a difference with our technical cooperation. Of course, we want to develop future talent but I also support the local benefits of a great project which gives a chance to young players who have a dream. Our venture in Thailand and now Vietnam will show us if it's true that with the same quality of work, Asian players are as capable of making a career in Europe where you have a selection of the best players in the world’.
Mr. Duc, Chairman of Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC said ‘’We are delighted that such a prestigious and historic club as Arsenal is undertaking this joint venture with HAGL FC. Our club is looking forward to working with Arsenal to develop football in Vietnam and establish links which could in time open the door for Vietnamese players to play in England. Vietnamese football will greatly benefit from the experience and expertise of Arsenal and in turn Arsenal’s presence will expand in Asia through this partnership”.
The development of an Arsenal Academy in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai in conjunction with JMG will begin immediately on a 300 hectare site with the primary aim of developing the standard of football in the region. Academy players will also receive a high quality school education at the site. The structure mirrors the academies which Arsenal and JMG operate in Thailand and the one which Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue attended in the Ivory Coast. Arsenal will invite HAGL technical staff to its Hertfordshire training centre to study training methods and in turn will send representatives to Vietnam for significant periods to impose best practices both on and off-field.
Weekend round up
Group 1
Pelita Jaya v Lamongan 1-0 7,000
Tangerang v Semarang 2-1 20,000
Deli Serdang v Bogor Division 0-0 3,000
Banda Aceh v Tangerang City 2-0 4,000
Sriwijaya v Bandung 1-0 27,000
North Jakarta v Sleman 2-0
Padang v Medan 0-1 5,000
Jakarta v Bireun 3-0 15,000
Tangerang v Lamongan 1-0 10,000
Pelita Jaya 1-2 8,000
1. Medan P7 W5 D2 L0 8-1 17 points
2. Sriwijaya P7 W4 D2 L1 9-4 14 points
3. Kediri P6 W4 D0 L2 12-7 12 points
4. Malang P6 W4 D0 L2 8-4 12 points
5. Tangerang P7 W3 D3 L1 6-5 12 points
Tangerang continue their fine start to the season with a couple of home victories while Medan were content to take the draw from their trip to Padang. An impressive crowd at Palembang saw Sriwijaya score half way through the second half and send Bandung away pointless.
Group 2
Solo v Balikpapan 0-0 15,000
Jepara v East Kalimantin 0-0 16,000
Manado v Minhasa 0-0 20,000
Persibom v Ternate 2-3 9,000
Bali v Jayapura 2-0 10,000
Surabaya v Wamena 1-0
Sidoarjo v Makassar 0-1 20,000
Yogyakarta v Manokwari 2-0 10,000
Jepera v Balikpapan 1-1 14,000
Solo v East Kalimantin 2-0 21,000
1. Makassar P7 W5 D1 L1 6-1 16 points
2. Solo P7 W3 D2 L2 6-6 11 points
3. Jayapura P5 W3 D1 L1 8-5 10 points
4. Ternate P5 W3 D1 L1 7-4 10 points
5. Arema Malang P6 W2 D4 6-3 10 points
6. Bali P7 W3 D1 L3 7-6 10 points
Yogyakarta got their campaign off with their first victory in 5 games. Surabaya playing in front of no fans again sneaked home against their Papuan visitors. A healthy crowd at Sidoarjo saw Makassar take the points and open up a 5 point lead at the top. Two wins for Solo saw them race up the table to second place while the surprise of the day was Jayapura going down 2-0 on Bali.
Top scorers:
6 goals - Aliyudin (Jakarta)
4 goals - Adrian Trinidad (Balikpapan), Franco Hitta (Malang), James Koko Lomell (Medan)
Pelita Jaya v Lamongan 1-0 7,000
Tangerang v Semarang 2-1 20,000
Deli Serdang v Bogor Division 0-0 3,000
Banda Aceh v Tangerang City 2-0 4,000
Sriwijaya v Bandung 1-0 27,000
North Jakarta v Sleman 2-0
Padang v Medan 0-1 5,000
Jakarta v Bireun 3-0 15,000
Tangerang v Lamongan 1-0 10,000
Pelita Jaya 1-2 8,000
1. Medan P7 W5 D2 L0 8-1 17 points
2. Sriwijaya P7 W4 D2 L1 9-4 14 points
3. Kediri P6 W4 D0 L2 12-7 12 points
4. Malang P6 W4 D0 L2 8-4 12 points
5. Tangerang P7 W3 D3 L1 6-5 12 points
Tangerang continue their fine start to the season with a couple of home victories while Medan were content to take the draw from their trip to Padang. An impressive crowd at Palembang saw Sriwijaya score half way through the second half and send Bandung away pointless.
Group 2
Solo v Balikpapan 0-0 15,000
Jepara v East Kalimantin 0-0 16,000
Manado v Minhasa 0-0 20,000
Persibom v Ternate 2-3 9,000
Bali v Jayapura 2-0 10,000
Surabaya v Wamena 1-0
Sidoarjo v Makassar 0-1 20,000
Yogyakarta v Manokwari 2-0 10,000
Jepera v Balikpapan 1-1 14,000
Solo v East Kalimantin 2-0 21,000
1. Makassar P7 W5 D1 L1 6-1 16 points
2. Solo P7 W3 D2 L2 6-6 11 points
3. Jayapura P5 W3 D1 L1 8-5 10 points
4. Ternate P5 W3 D1 L1 7-4 10 points
5. Arema Malang P6 W2 D4 6-3 10 points
6. Bali P7 W3 D1 L3 7-6 10 points
Yogyakarta got their campaign off with their first victory in 5 games. Surabaya playing in front of no fans again sneaked home against their Papuan visitors. A healthy crowd at Sidoarjo saw Makassar take the points and open up a 5 point lead at the top. Two wins for Solo saw them race up the table to second place while the surprise of the day was Jayapura going down 2-0 on Bali.
Top scorers:
6 goals - Aliyudin (Jakarta)
4 goals - Adrian Trinidad (Balikpapan), Franco Hitta (Malang), James Koko Lomell (Medan)
SHOCK HORROR!!! The Jakarta Post has a story about Indonesian football on page 4
Of course it's wholly negative!
In fact, even as an opinion piece it is so poorly thought out and so ill researched you'd wonder how anyone could even print it. But they did. As ever with the Jakarta Post this story will soon fall off the site so I have copied and pasted it here. My comments are in Block after the writers!
It wouldn't be Jakarta without The Jaks
Don't be deceived by the boys on the streets wearing shocking orange court jester hats or orange T-shirts bearing funny statements. Trust me, they are absolutely not cute or funny. (What, all of them? Nothing like a sweeping generalisation to set the tone.)
With the Indonesian Soccer League on its way, some weekends here will be different. Jakmania will turn the streets orange and we'd all better be careful.
So, here are some tips. If you happen to be driving and see one or two on the street, that's all right, but if there are more than three then you have to be extra careful. (Yeap, lock up your daughters, the Jak are on their way!)
The good thing about them is that if they come in a group, there's always some sort of warning noise -- yells, drums and car horns signal their arrival to other motorists. If you don't want to get hurt or your to get car scratched, you'd better give them right of way.
Many motorists have learned this unconventional special code and will slacken their speed to give way to the orange entourage. One, two, three, four, five motorists will do the same thing and there they are, stuck in a jam of their own creation.
A few months ago, a mikrolet driver driving along Jl. Arteri Pondok Indah in South Jakarta was chased by several angry boys -- all wearing the orange touch. They took advantage of a traffic jam and ran faster than the mikrolet.
The minivan wobbled and tried to escape, but the boys caught up with its wheels.
Other motorists watched as the minivan driver caved and allowed the boys onto the roof of the car -- their favorite spot. Inside the van, the seats remained empty. What a view. (Does this only happen with football fans? What point is being made here? One of menace or football fans catching a bus?)
That represents just a small part of the ugly behavior of soccer fans in public. (If you think this is ugly then really you need to get out more. What about people puching in at ATM's, boorish behaviour from people and their handphones?) Last year one of them was hit by a truck and killed while chasing a minibus in North Jakarta. (Ugly behaviour being hit by a truck? Does this only apply to football fans?)
Don't get me wrong. This is not a fear or smear campaign. (And it's not a well researched article either.) Most of them are teenagers, and many are small children, and they are part of a mighty force, the die-hard fans of Jakarta's Persija soccer club.
The official name of the club is Jakmania (find them online at www.jakmania.org (well done!!!)) but on their orange shirts and shawls you'll also see them identified as The Jaks, Pasukan Oranye or "Orange Troop", Persija Lovers and many more.
The spirit and solidarity of this fan club reminds one of the film Green Street Hooligans, which starred Elijah Wood and which was described as portraying the "boyish, childlike sides of men" when it comes to something they're really fond of.
One character in the film stops being a hooligan after an accident.
So the problem is not specific to Jakarta, or any other city. It's a universal thought. It's human nature, or, to be precise, male nature.
Boys get carried away by peer pressure, which raises their confidence and identity by becoming part of something bigger than themselves. The Jaks are here. Other cities have their own versions.
But how can boys risk their priceless young lives in struggles just to reach Lebak Bulus stadium?
Hanging half out of a speeding Metro Mini is not a nice way to travel (Again, this doesn't only apply to football fans. Has the writer seen buses and trains in the rush hour?) Chasing cars down the middle of busy streets is a good way to cause a traffic jam, or, worse, get hit by a driver who is too slow to hit the brakes.
Sitting casually and precariously on the tops of minibuses and trains, the boys sing and yell, as warming up for the soccer match.
It might be their business to sit on the roof of a moving vehicle, but the safety of other motorists and passengers is definitely not.
Despite the traffic jams that they cause -- thank God most soccer matches are on the weekends (Again do some research!!! Many games are played midweek!!!) -- they are interesting to watch on the street. Flags and ornaments are hung from the roofs of buses, and if you're close enough, you'll hear them make some rather funny catcalls about Persija and Jakarta.
With their fearlessness and "creative" performances, the members of Jakmania have their charms for motorists who had enough bad traffic and dull roads. As long as we know how to treat them, the boys are "fun" enough to entertain us.
But deep down we hope that this fanaticism is just a fad that will fade away as soon as the boys grow up and find something useful to do. (Oh dear! It just get worse doesn't it? I mean, as these lads get older, don't you think others will come along to replace them? Check the lyrics later)
It's probably just wishful thinking to imagine a Jakarta free of soccer hooligans (Hooligans??? What the...the writer doesn't mention fighting, just high jinx and rowdyism now we're on to fighting???), at least as long as Persija exists and the city has a lack of places for high-spirited boys (Wow the best point made but again showing naiviety. There's heaps to do in Rome, Berlin and London but they still have rowdy young lads.).
--Emmy Fitri
This is a rant despite how the writer tries to qualify it. I'll go further. It sounds like the rant of some poor soul who had an important appointment to keep at some Starbucks or Bread Talk one weekend. They were late and got stuck in traffic round CITOS, Pondok Indah way and looked on aghast at these young kids on their way to football, holding up the traffic! That's the crux of it. Check how often the writer refers to traffic, cars and traffic jams! Do you think the article would have been written if Persija Jakarta played far from a mall? Course it wouldn't! NIMBYism...
There's no denying there are problems with Indonesian football. Poor facilities, poor ability are topics I've frequently covered on this site. The problems the writer refers to, indiscipline mostly, are society's problems. The fact that kids can ride unfettered on the top of buses is one of law enforcement. (It also of course happens at demos when the great unwashed are bused in to vent the puppet master's spleen.) But then these same indisciplined kids are also choroeograhed on the terraces so like many kids they're looking for leadership. On the terraces they get the mateship that the writer so evidently despises and the feeling of belonging.
There is also another layer to this. Football in Indonesia appeals to the working class folk. Kampung kids if you like. Middle class folk look down at the local scene, sneer at it while keeping up with the news of Manchester United.
Given a choice where would you like to spend a Sunday afternoon? At the football with these 'die hard fans' or at some mall with people like the writer looking down on all around them?
War on the Terraces - Cockney Rejects
GO!
It's a dark place over there
the seats, and the stands are bear,
but you remember not long ago, all the times that we battled there.
The sun, it shines right on the gutter
And you remember that he was there,
And you should know, right there in the fold, that you grabbed him by his hair.
War on the terraces
(War on the terraces!)
It was war on the terraces
(War on the terraces)
The local pub, it stands silent
And all of this town, will be soon
and you remember the pints we would sink
and sing "the fuzz is watching you"
The youth remember them wagons that took us straight down the nick
when we would sing back to them, don't it make you feel like a prick?
(CHORUS)
So you're looking up, at the terrace
and smile, yeah it breaks your face.
And to the younger generation, we'll be here to take your place!
(CHORUS)
In fact, even as an opinion piece it is so poorly thought out and so ill researched you'd wonder how anyone could even print it. But they did. As ever with the Jakarta Post this story will soon fall off the site so I have copied and pasted it here. My comments are in Block after the writers!
It wouldn't be Jakarta without The Jaks
Don't be deceived by the boys on the streets wearing shocking orange court jester hats or orange T-shirts bearing funny statements. Trust me, they are absolutely not cute or funny. (What, all of them? Nothing like a sweeping generalisation to set the tone.)
With the Indonesian Soccer League on its way, some weekends here will be different. Jakmania will turn the streets orange and we'd all better be careful.
So, here are some tips. If you happen to be driving and see one or two on the street, that's all right, but if there are more than three then you have to be extra careful. (Yeap, lock up your daughters, the Jak are on their way!)
The good thing about them is that if they come in a group, there's always some sort of warning noise -- yells, drums and car horns signal their arrival to other motorists. If you don't want to get hurt or your to get car scratched, you'd better give them right of way.
Many motorists have learned this unconventional special code and will slacken their speed to give way to the orange entourage. One, two, three, four, five motorists will do the same thing and there they are, stuck in a jam of their own creation.
A few months ago, a mikrolet driver driving along Jl. Arteri Pondok Indah in South Jakarta was chased by several angry boys -- all wearing the orange touch. They took advantage of a traffic jam and ran faster than the mikrolet.
The minivan wobbled and tried to escape, but the boys caught up with its wheels.
Other motorists watched as the minivan driver caved and allowed the boys onto the roof of the car -- their favorite spot. Inside the van, the seats remained empty. What a view. (Does this only happen with football fans? What point is being made here? One of menace or football fans catching a bus?)
That represents just a small part of the ugly behavior of soccer fans in public. (If you think this is ugly then really you need to get out more. What about people puching in at ATM's, boorish behaviour from people and their handphones?) Last year one of them was hit by a truck and killed while chasing a minibus in North Jakarta. (Ugly behaviour being hit by a truck? Does this only apply to football fans?)
Don't get me wrong. This is not a fear or smear campaign. (And it's not a well researched article either.) Most of them are teenagers, and many are small children, and they are part of a mighty force, the die-hard fans of Jakarta's Persija soccer club.
The official name of the club is Jakmania (find them online at www.jakmania.org (well done!!!)) but on their orange shirts and shawls you'll also see them identified as The Jaks, Pasukan Oranye or "Orange Troop", Persija Lovers and many more.
The spirit and solidarity of this fan club reminds one of the film Green Street Hooligans, which starred Elijah Wood and which was described as portraying the "boyish, childlike sides of men" when it comes to something they're really fond of.
One character in the film stops being a hooligan after an accident.
So the problem is not specific to Jakarta, or any other city. It's a universal thought. It's human nature, or, to be precise, male nature.
Boys get carried away by peer pressure, which raises their confidence and identity by becoming part of something bigger than themselves. The Jaks are here. Other cities have their own versions.
But how can boys risk their priceless young lives in struggles just to reach Lebak Bulus stadium?
Hanging half out of a speeding Metro Mini is not a nice way to travel (Again, this doesn't only apply to football fans. Has the writer seen buses and trains in the rush hour?) Chasing cars down the middle of busy streets is a good way to cause a traffic jam, or, worse, get hit by a driver who is too slow to hit the brakes.
Sitting casually and precariously on the tops of minibuses and trains, the boys sing and yell, as warming up for the soccer match.
It might be their business to sit on the roof of a moving vehicle, but the safety of other motorists and passengers is definitely not.
Despite the traffic jams that they cause -- thank God most soccer matches are on the weekends (Again do some research!!! Many games are played midweek!!!) -- they are interesting to watch on the street. Flags and ornaments are hung from the roofs of buses, and if you're close enough, you'll hear them make some rather funny catcalls about Persija and Jakarta.
With their fearlessness and "creative" performances, the members of Jakmania have their charms for motorists who had enough bad traffic and dull roads. As long as we know how to treat them, the boys are "fun" enough to entertain us.
But deep down we hope that this fanaticism is just a fad that will fade away as soon as the boys grow up and find something useful to do. (Oh dear! It just get worse doesn't it? I mean, as these lads get older, don't you think others will come along to replace them? Check the lyrics later)
It's probably just wishful thinking to imagine a Jakarta free of soccer hooligans (Hooligans??? What the...the writer doesn't mention fighting, just high jinx and rowdyism now we're on to fighting???), at least as long as Persija exists and the city has a lack of places for high-spirited boys (Wow the best point made but again showing naiviety. There's heaps to do in Rome, Berlin and London but they still have rowdy young lads.).
--Emmy Fitri
This is a rant despite how the writer tries to qualify it. I'll go further. It sounds like the rant of some poor soul who had an important appointment to keep at some Starbucks or Bread Talk one weekend. They were late and got stuck in traffic round CITOS, Pondok Indah way and looked on aghast at these young kids on their way to football, holding up the traffic! That's the crux of it. Check how often the writer refers to traffic, cars and traffic jams! Do you think the article would have been written if Persija Jakarta played far from a mall? Course it wouldn't! NIMBYism...
There's no denying there are problems with Indonesian football. Poor facilities, poor ability are topics I've frequently covered on this site. The problems the writer refers to, indiscipline mostly, are society's problems. The fact that kids can ride unfettered on the top of buses is one of law enforcement. (It also of course happens at demos when the great unwashed are bused in to vent the puppet master's spleen.) But then these same indisciplined kids are also choroeograhed on the terraces so like many kids they're looking for leadership. On the terraces they get the mateship that the writer so evidently despises and the feeling of belonging.
There is also another layer to this. Football in Indonesia appeals to the working class folk. Kampung kids if you like. Middle class folk look down at the local scene, sneer at it while keeping up with the news of Manchester United.
Given a choice where would you like to spend a Sunday afternoon? At the football with these 'die hard fans' or at some mall with people like the writer looking down on all around them?
War on the Terraces - Cockney Rejects
GO!
It's a dark place over there
the seats, and the stands are bear,
but you remember not long ago, all the times that we battled there.
The sun, it shines right on the gutter
And you remember that he was there,
And you should know, right there in the fold, that you grabbed him by his hair.
War on the terraces
(War on the terraces!)
It was war on the terraces
(War on the terraces)
The local pub, it stands silent
And all of this town, will be soon
and you remember the pints we would sink
and sing "the fuzz is watching you"
The youth remember them wagons that took us straight down the nick
when we would sing back to them, don't it make you feel like a prick?
(CHORUS)
So you're looking up, at the terrace
and smile, yeah it breaks your face.
And to the younger generation, we'll be here to take your place!
(CHORUS)
Monday, March 05, 2007
A movie about the Jak??
Jakarta win again!
Jakarta beat Bireuen 3-0 yesterday, Aliyudin netting 2 and Bambang getting the other in front of 15,000.
Next up is the short trip to Bogor Division on Sunday.
Regarding Semarang who won 2-1 at Pelita Jaya, apparently sparking crowd trouble more of later, Emmanuel de Porras could be on his way back!
Next up is the short trip to Bogor Division on Sunday.
Regarding Semarang who won 2-1 at Pelita Jaya, apparently sparking crowd trouble more of later, Emmanuel de Porras could be on his way back!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Bambang scores
1-0
5 minutes in and Jakarta are one up, Aliyudin with his 4th of the season!
Jakarta v Bireuen
Today Jakarta host Bireuen.
The town of Bireuen lies midway between Medan and Banda Aceh, about 500 kilometres from Medan. The trip to Jakarta is no easy matter, involving a 5 hour trip to Polonia Airport and then a 2 hour flight to Jakarta.
Still, could be worse. They could be playing Manokwari!
The town of Bireuen lies midway between Medan and Banda Aceh, about 500 kilometres from Medan. The trip to Jakarta is no easy matter, involving a 5 hour trip to Polonia Airport and then a 2 hour flight to Jakarta.
Still, could be worse. They could be playing Manokwari!
Jakarta v Bireuen
Today Jakarta host Bireuen.
The town of Bireuen lies midway between Medan and Banda Aceh, about 500 kilometres from Medan. The trip to Jakarta is no easy matter, involving a 5 hour trip to Polonia Airport and then a 2 hour flight to Jakarta.
The town of Bireuen lies midway between Medan and Banda Aceh, about 500 kilometres from Medan. The trip to Jakarta is no easy matter, involving a 5 hour trip to Polonia Airport and then a 2 hour flight to Jakarta.
Tangerang City lose again
2-0 at Banda Aceh, another goalless game for the yellow n blues.
In other results yesterday Deli Serdang drew 0-0 with Bogor Division, 3 games on the spin without a win for them now.
In the North Sulawesi Derby Manado and Minhasa ground out a 0-0 while Ternate went to Persibom and won 3-2.
In other results yesterday Deli Serdang drew 0-0 with Bogor Division, 3 games on the spin without a win for them now.
In the North Sulawesi Derby Manado and Minhasa ground out a 0-0 while Ternate went to Persibom and won 3-2.
I've seen the future
The UEFA Champions League trophy is on a whistle stop tour of Asia and is currently resting at CITOS in Jakarta. You gotta say it does look good in red and white!Next time I see this will be Athens as Thierry Henry raises it to the Grecian night sky...
Labels: UEFA Champions League Athens Jakarta Thierry Henry
Friday, March 02, 2007
Unregistered players at Arema Malang
Not again??!!
Last year Jayapura and Arema Malang missed out on Asian Champions League football because of dodgy paperwork.
Now it transpires Joao Carlos (Brazil) and Anthony Jommah Ballah (Liberia) have not been registered with the AFC
Source: Liga Indonesia
Let's hope this is nothing serious and Arema can go ahead and play this year.
Last year Jayapura and Arema Malang missed out on Asian Champions League football because of dodgy paperwork.
Now it transpires Joao Carlos (Brazil) and Anthony Jommah Ballah (Liberia) have not been registered with the AFC
Source: Liga Indonesia
Let's hope this is nothing serious and Arema can go ahead and play this year.
Asian Champions League
The ACL kicks off next week and Indonesia are represented by a couple of East Java's finest.
League Champions Kediri fly to Japan where they play Urawa Reds. Also in their group are Sydney and Shanghai Shenhua. I have no idea whether Indonesian TV is covering the games. One would hope so.
Indonesian Cup Winners Arema Malang are also turning Japanese, hosting Kawasaki Frontale. Completing the group are Bangkok University and the Korean Chunam Dragons.
There's no denying both clubs have difficult ties and are in difficult groups.
Good luck to both of you ...
Labels: Asian Champions League Arema Malang Kediri Persik
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Midweek results
Group 1
Kediri v Deli Serdang 3-1 13,000
Malang v Banda Aceh 2-0 15,000
Medan v North Jakarta 1-0 25,000
Bireun v Sriwijaya 1-1 8,000
Tangerang v Semerang 2-1
1. Medan P 6 14 points
2. Kediri P 6 12
3. Malang P 6 12
4. Sriwijaya P 6 11
Malang continue to surprise while Medan remain unbeaten and clear at the top. After a couple of jolts on the road Kediri returned home and rattled in the goals. They are the league's top scorers.
Group 2
Arema Malang v Manado 0-0 10,000
Pasuruan Division v Bolaang 4-1 6,000
Makassar v Surabaya 1-0 10,000
Manokwari v Bali 1-0 15,000
1. Makassar P 6 13 Points
2. Jayapura P 4 10 P
3. Arema P 6 10 P
4. Pasuruan Division P 6 9 P
Arema dropped more home points as their fans stayed away. Oddly playing at home on the same day as their city rivals Malang, Arema again had the smaller crowd. Chris Wreh scored his first goal as Manokwari got their first 3 points of the season. Surabaya slipped into the bottom 4 with 3 points out of 15.
Hopefully a weekend preview tomorrow if I can stay out the pub long enough..
Kediri v Deli Serdang 3-1 13,000
Malang v Banda Aceh 2-0 15,000
Medan v North Jakarta 1-0 25,000
Bireun v Sriwijaya 1-1 8,000
Tangerang v Semerang 2-1
1. Medan P 6 14 points
2. Kediri P 6 12
3. Malang P 6 12
4. Sriwijaya P 6 11
Malang continue to surprise while Medan remain unbeaten and clear at the top. After a couple of jolts on the road Kediri returned home and rattled in the goals. They are the league's top scorers.
Group 2
Arema Malang v Manado 0-0 10,000
Pasuruan Division v Bolaang 4-1 6,000
Makassar v Surabaya 1-0 10,000
Manokwari v Bali 1-0 15,000
1. Makassar P 6 13 Points
2. Jayapura P 4 10 P
3. Arema P 6 10 P
4. Pasuruan Division P 6 9 P
Arema dropped more home points as their fans stayed away. Oddly playing at home on the same day as their city rivals Malang, Arema again had the smaller crowd. Chris Wreh scored his first goal as Manokwari got their first 3 points of the season. Surabaya slipped into the bottom 4 with 3 points out of 15.
Hopefully a weekend preview tomorrow if I can stay out the pub long enough..
Second minute of injury time
And Julio Lopez sets up some geezer called Eddy. 2-1...
...but too little too late, Semarang lose again
...but too little too late, Semarang lose again
Latest from Tangerang
An own goal puts the home team 2-0 up against Semerang whose poor start to the season continues...
Chris Wreh again...
I think he scored his first goal the other day as Manokwari beat Bali 1-0...my source ain't the most reliable but there is no other...
Labels: Christopher Wreh Arsenal Manokwari
Tangerang v Semarang
Tangerang go 1 up with a softly taken penalty that should have been stopped...
Poo
The signal went on the TV so I have no idea how the Medan game finished,...
