Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Liga Semi Finals
Tomorrow sees the Liga 2007 season finally reach the semi final stage with the four teams vying to be Champions and have the (possible) honour of playing in the Asian Champions League. In 2009.
PSMS Medan play Persipura in the first game tomorrow afternoon at the Bung Karno Stadium in central Jakarta while next up sees Persija playing Sriwijaya.
PSMS are one of Indonesia's 'big' clubs but while they have been successful in the pre season Bang Yos Cup they have done little on the national stage. Persipura were champions in 2005, beating hometown favourites Persija 3-2.
Persipura, incidentally, were then managed by Rahmad Dharmawan who now manages Sriwijaya who stand at the cusp of an historic domestic Copa and Liga Double having secured the Copa recently, beating Perspira on penalties.
Standing in their way are Persija, perennial bridesmaids and another former Darmawan team. With coach Dubrovin sidelined after the fracas at Solo last month, and now out of the country, Persija will look to Isman Jasulmei for stability. Towards the end of the regular season they beat Sriwjaya at Lebak Bulus 4-2 so will go into the game feeling confidant.
PSMS have surprised many in the Play Offs. Considering their woeful away form during the regular season they have looked sharp and composed and in James Koko Lomel have one of the star performers while Gustavo Chena in the midfield has also impressed.
Persipura are a strong, pacy team who have been together for a few years. The absence of Boaz has not impeded their march to glory with Jeremiah and Goncalves netting goals for fun up front, prompted by the experienced Eduard Ivakdalam in the midfield.
Last season the honours were shared by Persik and Arema. This year we have the opportunity for a new name on the trophy (PSMS and Sriwjaya). Or we can see Persija finally win their first trophy since 2001 or Persipura their second in three years. Or Sriwijaya could secure the first ever double.
It's all set up for an absorbing afternoon's football and as ever you can get the latest news here...unless I get off my arse and actually go to the stadium myself.
PSMS Medan play Persipura in the first game tomorrow afternoon at the Bung Karno Stadium in central Jakarta while next up sees Persija playing Sriwijaya.
PSMS are one of Indonesia's 'big' clubs but while they have been successful in the pre season Bang Yos Cup they have done little on the national stage. Persipura were champions in 2005, beating hometown favourites Persija 3-2.
Persipura, incidentally, were then managed by Rahmad Dharmawan who now manages Sriwijaya who stand at the cusp of an historic domestic Copa and Liga Double having secured the Copa recently, beating Perspira on penalties.
Standing in their way are Persija, perennial bridesmaids and another former Darmawan team. With coach Dubrovin sidelined after the fracas at Solo last month, and now out of the country, Persija will look to Isman Jasulmei for stability. Towards the end of the regular season they beat Sriwjaya at Lebak Bulus 4-2 so will go into the game feeling confidant.
PSMS have surprised many in the Play Offs. Considering their woeful away form during the regular season they have looked sharp and composed and in James Koko Lomel have one of the star performers while Gustavo Chena in the midfield has also impressed.
Persipura are a strong, pacy team who have been together for a few years. The absence of Boaz has not impeded their march to glory with Jeremiah and Goncalves netting goals for fun up front, prompted by the experienced Eduard Ivakdalam in the midfield.
Last season the honours were shared by Persik and Arema. This year we have the opportunity for a new name on the trophy (PSMS and Sriwjaya). Or we can see Persija finally win their first trophy since 2001 or Persipura their second in three years. Or Sriwijaya could secure the first ever double.
It's all set up for an absorbing afternoon's football and as ever you can get the latest news here...unless I get off my arse and actually go to the stadium myself.
Labels: Liga Indonesia Play Offs Semi Finals 2007 Persija Persipura PSMS Sriwijaya
# posted by Me @ 7:44 AM 
