" We invited Argentina to play a friendly match to improve our mentality and get used to facing big opponents. Don't be like weak cats. Previously, when we met Vietnam and Thailand, our players immediately trembled. But at the 32nd SEA Games, we won and this is the time to prepare well for the Indonesian national team ," PSSI president Erick Thohir told the media.
In the international matches in June, the Indonesian team will play a friendly match against the Palestinian team on June 14. Five days later, coach Shin Tae-yong and his team will officially enter the match against the Argentine team. After the gold medal in men's football at the 32nd SEA Games, football fever is rising in the archipelago country.
Indonesia achieved success at SEA Games 32.
According to the plan, PSSI also wants to invite strong opponents such as Morocco, Brazil, Portugal and Russia to play friendly matches with the Indonesian team. This plan is being implemented and is in the early stages of negotiation. However, only 1 or 2 such big matches are held each year. PSSI also wants to have more official matches during the FIFA Days period to increase its ranking on the FIFA rankings.
Indonesian football is implementing many measures to improve its strength. President Joko Widodo instructed PSSI to build a team with young players aged 20-23 to aim for the 2026 World Cup and further the 2030 World Cup. This is the time when the World Cup increases the number of participating teams to 48, Asia has 8.5 slots and the opportunity increases significantly for Southeast Asian teams.
In addition, PSSI also naturalizes high-class players with Indonesian blood. Most recently, Rafael Struick and Ivar Jenner are two people who have just obtained Indonesian nationality. They will be on the list of the Indonesian team to play a friendly match with the Argentine team.
The historic gold medal at the 32nd SEA Games created a big fever for Indonesian football. For many years, they have not won any significant titles. This is considered a turning point to help Indonesian football to grow in the coming years.
Mai Phuong
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