JAKARTA (15 Nov 2011) – Indonesia’s talismanic striker Bambang Pamungkas admits that the four successive losses they suffered thus far in Group E of the third round 2014 World Cup qualifiers is an embarrassment.
Bambang or Bepe as he is more known as made the statement ahead of Indonesia’s clash against Iran later night at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
After four matches – a 3-0 loss to Iran, 2-0 to Bahrain, 3-2 and 4-0 to Qatar – Indonesia are still without a point and are already out of contention.
“We have to admit that we are not in a good situation. Four defeats in a row are not only sad but embarrassing. Obviously do not want such an end but we have tried very hard but it is just that the results have not been forthcoming,” said Bambang.
“It is not fair to blame the loss solely on Wim (Rijsbergen, the chief coach of the Indonesian national), as I believe that everyone involved including the PSSI (the Indonesian FA) should also be blamed in this instance.
“It is also not fair to compare this team to the one that played at the AFF Suzuki Cup last year as in the World Cup qualifiers, we are playing against a team of a whole new level. We needed a team which can play as a team but unfortunately, we were not able to do that.”
Bambang also added that the continued internal problem which is affecting the local Indonesian League is also another factor which should be considered.
“We are playing against world class teams but our players have not clocked in the number of hours to be competitive as the league has yet to kick off,” Bambang added.
| CURRENT STANDINGS IN GROUP E |
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts |
| I.R. IRAN | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 8 |
| QATAR | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| BAHRAIN | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 5 |
| INDONESIA | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
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