In my first month and a half in Indonesia I've quickly learned the importance of soccer in Indonesia. I arrived as the
Asean Football Federation (AFF) soccer tournament was beginning. There was much excitement in Indonesia as their
national team made it farther than they had in several years - all the way to the
championship. They beat the Philippines twice in the semifinals, both times 1-0. Indonesia faced Malaysia in the finals, but lost the first game 3-0, and didn't have enough goals in the second game as Indonesia won
2-1, so Malaysia took the championship. I took some pictures of some of the Indonesian people in the neighborhood. Everyone seemed to be watching the game! Although I have yet to play soccer here, I have enjoyed watching and cheering for a sport and team I'm learning to like.
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| My roommate watches the championship game in our house. |
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| Men on the side of the street watching the game. Notice the magazine stand with the Indonesian soccer player, Christian Gonzalez, on the front page. |
