Welcome Guest   |  Login   |   Signup
JG Logo
Fri, May 25, 2012
Archive Search

Dutch Master Doles Out the Goals
Wimbo Satwiko | June 22, 2011

Share This Page
0
0
0
0
Share with google+ :


Post a comment
Please login to post comment

Comments

Be the first to write your opinion!

Despite playing only 45 minutes, Giovanni van Bronckhorst still showed glimpses of his greatness during the Starbol – United for Football Indonesia exhibition on Wednesday.

The former Dutch national team captain led the International Stars, a side featuring the top foreign players from the Indonesian Super League and Indonesian Premier League, to a 2-0 win over the Dream Team of Indonesia at Bung Karno Stadium.

“It was good experience to play the match. I played many games in Asia, but it’s first time for me to play in Indonesia, where I have my roots,” Van Bronckhorst said after the match.

“Everybody wants to see Indonesian football improve. I hope Indonesia can play well in Asia, then you might get a chance to play in the World Cup.”

While the guest of honor did not score, he did provide assists on both of the goals.

The match was just five minutes old when Jakarta FC striker Emmanuel de Porras headed a Van Bronckhorst cross past goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga.

Persela Lamongan striker Alberto Goncalves doubled the International Stars lead in the 22nd minute. The Brazilian received a long pass from Van Bronckhorst and dribbled through the penalty area before scoring past Kurnia.

Gustavo Lopez came on for Van Bronckhorst in the second half, but the International Stars continued to dominate despite his absence. Bambang Pamungkas, star striker for Persija Jakarta, entered as a second-half substitute, but to no avail.

Dream Team captain Firman Utina said competing against a player such as Van Bronckhorst was a great experience.

“Despite being retired from football for almost a year, Van Bronckhorst is still a great player,” Firman said. “His movement, ball control and passing were world-class.

“I learned so much just by watching him play out there. I think this was a great experience, not just for me but also for the other players in the team.”

Van Bronckhorst, whose mother, Fransien, was born in Saparua, Maluku, will stay in Jakarta until Sunday.

The 36-year-old will open the “Giovanni van Bronckhorst Foundation @ All Children of Indonesia” with a dinner at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski on Friday.

He will raise funds for his foundation by auctioning his 2010 World Cup jersey and those of his former teammates at Barcelona such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. He’ll lead a clinic for children at the national team’s training field at Gelora Bung Karno on Saturday.