Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng is optimistic the country`s national team will win the match against Malaysia in the final round of the 26th SEA Games football competition on Monday.

"God willing, we will be able make football an element in Indonesia`s 26th SEA games overall championship," he said after watching the semi-final match between the Indonesian and Vietnamese teams here on Saturday evening which was won by Indonesia with a 2-0 score.

Malaysia qualified for finals after beating Myanmar 1-0 here on Saturday afternoon.

Indonesia`s SEA Games committee chief Rachmat Gobel meanwhile said he would hold a meeting whether or not the price of tickets for the final on Monday would be raised.

The price of tickets for the semi-final round was not increased and remained at Rp25.000 (around US$2,5 each) for the cheapest seats and Rp500.000 (almost US$50) for the most expensive ones.

Tens of thousand spectators came to the Bung Karno stadium to watch the semi-final round. The number of spectators predicted to increase after the victory.

Football is one of the most popular sports in the country. Vice President Boediono also watched the match on Saturday on television at his residence along with a number of his staff. He said after the victory the Garuda Muda team was extraordinary. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011