PSSI Chair Erick Thohir Says Indonesia-Australia Draw in World Cup Qualifiers Boost Nation's Dignity
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11 September 2024 08:23 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, said the Indonesian National Team successfully maintained the nation’s dignity during the match against Australia on Tuesday evening, September 10, 2024.
The Garuda Squad and Australia draw 0-0 in the second round of matches in the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The team’s success in holding off Australia–ranked 24th in FIFA, far above Indonesia’s 133rd–raised citizens’ self-esteem, Erick said.
Previously, the Indonesian national team was also able to hold hosting squad Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in the first match in Group C, on Thursday, September 5.
"The enthusiasm is extraordinary, as discussed by me and the Minister of Youth and Sports, this is the dignity of our nation. Because, just as recently in Saudi Arabia, where we know many Indonesian migrant workers work, we were able to boost our dignity through a 1-1 draw," said Erick.
Regarding the Garuda Squad's performance, Erick said the squad’s counterattack could be neater. "We have to improve our performance if we aim to qualify for the World Cup,” said Erick.
Erick also did not comment much about goalkeeper Maarten Paes’s performance. "It was predicted,” he said. “But I believe it’s not an individual game.”
Despite the onslaught of offense from Australia, the Indonesian national team's defense line maintained a score of 0-0 until the end of the match.
Meaning, Indonesia has now collected two points from two qualifier matches in the third round of the Asia zone qualifying tournament for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia is placed fifth with one point.
The Indonesian national team is currently stuck in fourth place in the Group C standings. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia rose to first place in the Group C standings after defeating China 2-1 at the Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium on Tuesday.
The Indonesian national team will play against Bahrain next on October 10 and China on October 15 for the AFC qualifiers for the World Cup.
ANTARA
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