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| TEAM INDONESIA |
While some cynically comment on poor performance of the shuttlers at the current individual events, Indonesia men's team showed a mentality strength, coming from behind to secure direct spot of the Thomas Cup final round in Wuhan, China. All worries collided when the first two matches only caused the lead for Republic of Korea. The boys managed to ease the pressure by taking the remaining three matches, escaping the would be disaster of all time with a dramatic 3-2 victory. Speaking honestly, it was lucky that Indonesia did not play Japan who had quite stronger squads than the Koreans.
This result, to some extent, has shown the way to be the all time record holders of the men's team world championships title. Taufik Hidayat and Co. overcame critical situations and this situation will be a good advice towards the final round. Where all the best teams around the world meet at the "Wuhan Summit" this summer, the opponents will not be only those with sound tricky and stylish look of Asian characteristic, but also stroking and powerful of European playing style. Nowadays, Europe has more options in badminton with the rise of new powers, empowering the legendary Danes. They will become serious contenders.
Indonesia as a team is still one of the bests. Playing as a team is very different from playing individuals. While individual quality plays an important role to bring success, the sense of "oneness" will likely be another source of strength. At individual events most of the Indonesian squad members did not have much to prove last season so the Thomas Cup should be the right momentum to show everyone in doubt that ther cynicism is wrong.
