"I am happy for them and the team," Milla remarked after his squad defeated the Chinese Taipei 4-0 in a match at the Patriot Chandrabaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on Sunday (Aug 12) night.
According to the Spaniard, three of the senior players, aged over 23 years, -- the goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa, striker Alberto Goncalves, and midfielder Stefano Lilipaly -- had demonstrated maturity as experienced footballers.
They also proved worthy of being called into the U-23 national team by showcasing professionalism and aptness to serve as examples for other young players.
"Before calling on the senior players, we had taken into account several aspects, including their outlook and the amount of experience they had that could help the team. Apart from Andritany, Alberto, and Lilipaly, goalkeeper Muhammad Ridho, who despite not being in the team was still in training with us. They have demonstrated high levels of professionalism," Milla explained.
The performance of three senior U-23 national team players was good when they crushed the Chinese Taipei 4-0 in group A.
Ardhiyasa appeared calm in the back line, so the Chinese Taipei failed to score despite having made five attempts at scoring right on target.
Indonesia`s goals in the match were scored by Stefano Lilipaly in the 67th and 76th minutes; Alberto Goncalves, in the 71st minute; and Muhammad Hargianto, in the 90+3 minute.
The victory has sealed Indonesia`s temporary position in the second place in Group A, with three points, followed by Palestine, with four points. Despite having scored the same points as Hong Kong, Indonesia is in second position due to its superior goal difference.
The soccer match, held at the Patriot Chandrabaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java Province, on Sunday (Aug 12), was the third day of the Asian Games soccer matches prior to the official opening ceremony of Asia`s largest sporting event on Saturday (Aug 18).
Reportng by Michael Siahaan
Editing by Bustanuddin
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
