Lessons Learned from AFF Cup 2010

Yes, we definitely lost to Malaysia in a bid to grasp the AFF Cup. However from biannual ASEAN countries' soccer tournament, many things can be drawn as lessons learned for improvement.

First, Malaysia shows us that naturalized players, foreign coach is unnecessarily as a single factor to win the game. Embraced by young guns, trained by local coach, this Malayan Tiger team confirms the shrewd approach of their soccer development system. As yet the very team has proved their ability to be a champion twice, in Sea Games 2009 and now AFF Cup 2010. In the future Malaysia can definitely rely on this team to make other records.

Second, Indonesia played well in this tournament.

It will be a bitter sweet memory of Garuda Team. Compared to Malaysia, Indonesia only lost once and invariably won in the other games, while Malaysia lost twice and draw once. Indonesia's goals scored: 15, goals conceded: 6; Malaysia's goals scored: 10, goals conceded: 8. Statistically, we are better than Malaysia.

I saw attacking football played by our team. It's very good and it should be the Garuda's team trandemark in the future. It also explained why the fans didn't vent the anger despite we lost the cup yesterday. We are satisfied with their attacking football. At least they have shown us determination to win. Finishing touch is quite another.

Another improvement is team's ball possession, the important thing to score goals. Apart from the game against Thailand, the team indicates much progress on this skill.

Third, soccer has become another kind of profitable industry. PSSI should manage all aspects well. Compared to Malaysia … again, Indonesia lagged behind … again. Our TV reporters in Kuala Lumpur got bewildered why there were no fans scrambling for tickets. There was no messy queue there, everything was quiet and in order. We expect that there will be only few Malaysia's soccer fans attending the first leg of the finals. And it was proved wrong when we saw crowded Bukit Jalil stadium. Ticketing is a simple matter, however it must be delivered in a good system. And PSSI fail to do the job.

Finally this AFF Cup 2010 has raised our nationalism. For a long time we have no proud as Indonesian due to political bickering, lack of law enforcement, not-so-good economic development. I don't know why I was trembling listening our national anthem, Indonesia Raya, before the match. Suddenly I was deeply in love with Indonesia again.