Support on Garuda team, How SBY Drives National Focus of Attention

SBY PRESIDENCY

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the Indonesian people to give their support to the national football team "Garuda" in their match against the Philippines on Thursday.

"There is a message from the sponsor, that we should watch the football match between Indonesia and the Philippines," the president said when speaking before students of the Technology Institute of Sepuluh November (ITS) in Surabaya, Tuesday. The head of state was accompanied among others by Sports and Youth Minister Andi Mallarangeng on the occasion. He believed that with hard work, the national team would perform better in the upcoming game.

Before leaving for Surabaya on Monday, President Yudhoyono made a visit to the Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta, to meet footballers grouped in the national team competing in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.

"I want to express my pride and gratitude for the success of the national team. I really love football. We are quite proud of what you have achieved so far," the president said. He promised them that he would watch the match against the Philippines next Thursday in the AFF semifinal game. Indonesia defeated Thailand 2-1 on December 7, 2010. On December 1, Indonesia beat Malaysia 5-1.

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