" We invited Argentina to play a friendly match to improve their mentality and get used to facing strong opponents. Don't be like weak cats. In the past, when we faced Vietnam and Thailand, our players immediately trembled with fear. But at the SEA Games 32, we won, and now is the time for good preparation for the Indonesian national team ," PSSI president Erick Thohir told the media.
In the June international matches, the Indonesian national team will play a friendly match against Palestine on June 14th. Five days later, coach Shin Tae-yong's team will officially face Argentina. Following their gold medal win in men's football at the 32nd SEA Games, the football fever is soaring in Indonesia.
Indonesia achieved success at the 32nd SEA Games.
According to the plan, PSSI also hopes to invite strong opponents such as Morocco, Brazil, Portugal, and Russia to play friendly matches with the Indonesian national team. This plan is being implemented and is in the early stages of negotiation. However, only one or two such major matches are organized each year. PSSI also hopes to have more official matches during FIFA Days to improve its ranking on the FIFA rankings.
Indonesian football is implementing various measures to improve its strength. President Joko Widodo has instructed the PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) to build a team with young players aged 20-23 in preparation for the 2026 World Cup and beyond, aiming for the 2030 World Cup. This is when the World Cup will expand to 48 participating teams, with Asia having 8.5 slots, significantly increasing the chances for Southeast Asian teams.
In addition, PSSI also naturalizes high-level players of Indonesian descent. Most recently, Rafael Struick and Ivar Jenner have obtained Indonesian citizenship. They will be included in the Indonesian national team's squad for a friendly match against Argentina.
The historic gold medal at the 32nd SEA Games created a huge sensation in Indonesian football. For many years, they hadn't won any significant titles. This is seen as a turning point that could help Indonesian football rise to prominence in the years to come.
Mai Phuong
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