TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Icelandic football legend who is also former Chelsea and Barcelona player, Eidur Gudjohnsen, will likely perform against Indonesian Team Selection at Maguwoharjo Stadium on Thursday, January 11. The match will be started at 18:30 and be broadcasted on RCTI.
"The young squad of the Icelandic team competing in Indonesia consists of tough and talented players, the match in Indonesia is their important experience in the international matches," Gudjohnsen, 39, told the reporters Wednesday, January 10.
Gudjohnsen’s presence predicted would add the appeal of Iceland versus Indonesia friendly matches on 11 and 14 January. Besides Gudjhonsen, Iceland's national team is also reinforced with a former Arsenal player, Olafur Skulasson, on the match against Indonesia.
Gudjohnsen who is currently playing in the Chinese League admitted that he was very enthusiastic to come to Indonesia with the Icelandic national team.
He is also scheduled to attend a number of activities in Indonesia during Iceland vs Indonesia friendly match; from coaching clinic until meeting with the homeland football fans.
Indonesian Football Association (PSSI)'s Deputy Secretary-General of Business Development Marshal Misata said that the match with Iceland is the starting point of an international match with Indonesia as the host.
"Until March, or sometime before the 2018 World Cup is held, there will be many matches with Indonesia as the host, including with Japan in March," he said.
It is expected that a friendly match with Iceland, which is a participant of the 2018 world cup, will give an inspiration for domestic football. "The arrival of the world cup participant hopefully can provide experience and inspiration for football in Indonesia," said Marshal.
PRIBADI WICAKSONO