BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
Speaking to the press after his Indonesia charges were defeated 1-0 by hosts Malaysia in the SEA Games football semi-finals, head coach Luis Milla conceded that the winners took advantage of their superiority in dead ball situations.
Although Malaysia were made to wait until the 87th minute to break the deadlock, the goal came from a corner kick, with Thanabalan Nadarajah heading in a corner kick by Nor Azam Azih.
"Malaysia are dangerous in dead ball situations and they are good physically. But we also had a lot of chances from Ezra [Walian] and Febri [Hariyadi].
"Both teams played well, and the side who defend well would win," said the former Spain international after the match.
Milla also said that his men played well and went toe-to-toe against a good Malaysian side.
"I hope the spectators saw a good game of football in this match and they [Indonesia players] fought hard for a victory. I thank the supporters, I hope everyone enjoyed our game. This is football," added the 51-year old trainer.
After the disappointment, Milla now has the task of preparing his charges physically and mentally for the bronze medal match, this Tuesday, August 29.
"Our goal now is to win a medal. There's only a short while to recover morally and mentally, and hopefully we can win the [bronze] medal," he said.
Luis Milla in the post-match press conference
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)
