Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) General Chair Erick Thohir asked the Indonesian U-24 national team players to continue maintaining their winning tradition, after they achieved a 2-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in the opening match of Group F of the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
In that match, Ramai Rumakiek and Hugo Samir scored goals for the national team, to make Indonesia occupy the top two positions in the group along with North Korea.
“Thank God, we are able to continue the positive trend of the national team. After the SEA Games, AFF U-23 Cup Qualification and AFC U-23, now at Asia’s main level, namely the Asian Games, victory can also be achieved. We must continue to maintain this winning tradition,” said Erick as quoted from a written statement received by journalists.
Erick also reminded the players to maintain their enthusiasm, because currently they are still not certain of qualifying for the last 16.
“We have to stay focused until the last match. Let’s win a ticket to the top 16!” emphasized the figure who is also the Minister of BUMN.
After defeating Kyrgyzstan’s resistance, the national team will be challenged by Taiwan on Thursday (21/9) and North Korea on Sunday (24/9).
On paper, the toughest opponent in the group phase is North Korea. However, Erick emphasized that the players must maintain the intensity of the game.
“Playing against anyone, the way we play, both from a technical and mental perspective, must be the same. Today, Kyrgyzstan, tomorrow Taiwan and North Korea, we must also appear to win,” concluded Erick. (mhn/bbs)
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