FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifier
Sri Lanka hold strong Indonesia to a two all draw

Two goals within a space of two minutes saw Sri Lanka settle for a two all draw against strong Indonesians in FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifying round game yesterday at 18:30 hrs.at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo under lights. Indonesians entered the field as hot favourites with a win under their belt the first leg played in Indonesia.

As expected the visitor got off to flying start finding the net in the eighth minute of the game through the boot of Ilham Jayakusuma when the Lankan custodian S. D. Tillekeratne missed timed the ball and advanced. Jayakusma made maximum use of this to put his side ahead.

Lankans played only a single striker in the first half to avoid the opponents attack that came strongly after the first goal. But the Lankan kept the pressure on making very good moves towards opponents territory. The hosts missed as many as three easy scoring opportunities firstly it was Azmeer's header that was well picked up by the custodian in the 12th minute.

Striker E. B. Channa was the most unluckiest when one of his kicks struck the cross bar and rebounced back. A few minutes later skipper Steinwal's lob was well picked up by Channa. At this moment Channa was under impression that he will be blown for off side did not bother to do the finishing touches to the amazement of everyone.

Another golden chance was missed by the Lankan in the last stages of the first session this time too the offender being the same man.

Teams left the field for lemons with Indonesia leading 1-0.

The turn around saw Indonesians more venom to their attack in a bid to increase the lead. They bore fruits in the sixth minute when they were awarded a free kick for rough play from 24 meters. Ismed Sofyan took a direct kick at the goal went straight into the hand of goalie Tillekeratne who after collecting the ball and let it to the net giving the visitors their second goal and a firm lead.

The battle intensified with locals this point and went on for until the 81st minute local boys got together to baffle the defence of Indonesians. A free kick taken by M. Fuard 30 meters from opponents territory ended up in a melee. Taking advantage, the skipper Dudley Stainwall slammed the goal for Sri Lanka to reduce the lead. This goal also was the first scored by Lankans in this qualifying round games.

One minutes later it was Isuru Perera who made the initiative for Sri Lanka's second goal. Isuru Perera who came from left sent in a bullet like kick towards the G.P.C. Karunaratne who was well positioned to receive it headed in a flash.

This was the equaliser. Karunaratne who came as a substitute in the second session dashed all hopes of a Indonesian victory.

G.P.C. Karunaratne who is better known as 'Podde' to Sri Lankan fans received a standing ovation from the large crowd for his world class headder which hit the net.

Sampath Perera the Sri Lankan trainer said, "Though the game ended in a draw it was almost a victory for the local team. Indonesia who entered the fray with a perfect mind after fine performance in the Asia Cup is a strong outfit. It is great to have a draw, all credit to the team," he said.

Perera further answering a question said, "My plan worked well. I wanted them to play a defensive game for sometime as the opponent were sure to go on the attack. I wanted them put up strong attack in the latter part of the game. This they did well and brought in good results."

Peter Withe, the Englishman who has taken over as coach of the Indonesian two weeks ago said that he is not satisfied with the result but declined to make any further comment saying it is too early to make statements about his team.

Indonesian captain Ponarya Astaman said, "The team played well for 70 minutes and Lankans stormed into the game suddenly.

It was too late to halt this sort of action. Specifically he noted the last 20 minutes his team's performance was not up to expectations.

Under mentioned players were issued yellow card.

Indinesia	Sri Lanka
Ortisan Salossa	Isuru Perera
	Rajitha Jayavilal
	M Azmeer
	Chathura Maduranga
	M Izadeen

Under mentioned players will not be permitted to play for Sri Lanka for next world cup match against Turkmenistan on 09th October 2004 due to 2 yellow cards.

Sri Lanka
Ranjith Jayavilal
M Azmeer