Indonesian Senior Soccer Team Leaves for North Korea

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian senior soccer team is expected to leave for North Korea on Thursday night, so it can adapt to cold weather before playing against China in the Asia Cup group C 2015. The Indonesian soccer team will face China's team in X'ian, China, on Friday (Nov 15), coach Jacksen F Tiago said here on Thursday, adding that the Indonesian team in North Korea will play against a local soccer club on Saturday (Nov 9). "Cold weather is one of our toughest challenges during our stay in China. Therefore, we chose to play in North Korea prior to the official match," Tiago said, following the last practice session for his team before leaving for abroad. In an effort to prepare for the cold weather in Korea and China, Tiago has asked his players to prepare cold weather equipment, such as jackets, long sleeve shirts, headgear and shoes. According to the coach, the team will play in China in very cold weather of around eight degrees Celsius and at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. The Indonesian soccer players, the Garuda team, has undergone much training and recently defeated the Kyrgyzstan team 4-0 during a trial match at the Bung Karno main stadium here. In the face of China's team, Tiago will bring 23 players, including Dian Agus Prasetyo, Choirul Huda, Hasim Kipuw, Ruben Sanadi, Slamet Nur Cahyono, Raphael Maitimo, Taufiq, Ahmad Bustomi, Ahmad Jupriyanto, Victor Igbonefo, M Roby, Wahyu Ngurah Nanak, Toni Sucipto, Fachruddin, I Made Wirawan, Supardi, Benny Wahyudi, Boas Solossa, Titus Bonai, Zulham Zamrun, Juan Revi, Tantan and M Nur Iskandar. According to FIFA statistics, of the 12 matches played between Indonesia and China, 10 were won by China, one match was a draw and one match was won by Indonesia. At the provisional standings for Group C, the Indonesian soccer team has collected one point in three matches. The point was obtained in a draw against China, ending 1-1, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta some time ago. (*)