The Match Against Argentina Is A Commemoration For The World, Indonesian Football Is Already Awakening From Its Sleep

The match between the Indonesian national team and Argentina at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Monday, June 19. (Photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - The match titled FIFA Matchday between the Indonesian national team and Argentina at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Monday, June 19, was quite successful.

After the match, the General Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir hopes that the world can see that Indonesian football is getting up from sleep. The Indonesian versus Argentine national team match is one proof.

"Number one, how can the world see football we wake up from sleep and this proves that with the world champion team willing to come to Indonesia," said Erick Thohir.

In addition, said Erick, the match against the three-time soccer world champion was also intended as part of preparing the mentality of the Indonesian football national team in facing other matches.

"This is part of our collective test, a mental test to make our national team ready because this year there will also be a 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Even though our target is 2038, but who knows, we will try our best," he explained.

In addition, said Erick, the match against Argentina is expected to increase the sense of nationalism of the community. According to Erick, nationalism can be built because of the unity in supporting the Red and White.

"This is proven, (the supporters) are from Madura, some are from Singkawang, some are from Sumatra, Solo, Java, we are united, we do not see ethnicity, religion, only Red and White. Now that nationalism can only be built because of Merah Putih," he said as reported by Antara.

Erick is also grateful for the high enthusiasm of the community for the Indonesian football match against Argentina. He hopes that the Indonesian sports industry can rise, along with the achievement of achievements that have also improved.

"I think the enthusiasm is extraordinary and this is what we hope that our sports industry will rise, but our achievements must also improve," he said.

The Indonesian national team itself lost 0-2 to Argentina in that match. Despite losing, Shin Tae-yong's team's appearance received extraordinary appreciation.

The reason is, the players are able to play disciplined and never give up even though they have to face a team that has the status of world champions. The proof is, Argentina can only score two goals and have difficulty breaking through the host's defense several times.

The Indonesian national team itself also has a golden opportunity to break into the Albiceleste goal even though in the end it still fails to change the position.

In this match, Ernando Ari was scored by Leandro Paredes' long-range kick and Cristian Romero's header. The result closed the FIFA Match Day schedule for the Indonesian national team in June, after previously holding the Palestinian draw with a score of 0-0 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Wednesday, June 14.