Dimas Drajad Expressed The Realistic Target Of The Indonesian National Team In The 2026 World Cup Qualification

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team player, Dimas Drajad, revealed a realistic target in the Third Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The striker's positioning player said the most likely achievement for the Garuda Squad was the third place in the final standings.

"Yes, maybe my personal (realistic target) is the third (ranked). Maybe it was convincing for us," said Dimas Drajad in his statement when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, quoted on Monday, July 15, 2024.

The Indonesian national team qualified for the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after becoming runners-up in Group F in the Second Round. Shin Tae-yong's team collected 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two defeats.

In the Third Round which began in September 2024, the Garuda Squad joined in Group C with Asian giant teams, such as Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

They will also face Bahrain and China, who are FIFA rankings far above the Indonesian national team.

To be able to immediately qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, the Indonesian national team must occupy a minimum second place in the final standings of Group C.

If he is ranked third or fourth, Dimas Drajad and his friends still have to continue their struggle in the Fourth Round.

The former Persikabo 1973 player considered the competition map in the group quite interesting because of the Japanese presence.

The Indonesian national team had previously faced Blue Samurai Troops in the 2023 Asian Cup. At that time, the Red-White Team fell to their knees with a score of 1-3.

"That (the competition map in Group C) is very dancing, there is Japan. I hope we can progress together," he said.

In preparation for the Third Round, PSSI is rumored to be returning to bring in several new descendants.

This was also confirmed by Dimas. Even so, this 27-year-old player did not feel discouraged and was actually motivated to show a better performance.

"I heard, really, there are still players of descent again. Yes, I am both Indonesian players in the same business," he said.

The Third round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification will begin to be loved by the Indonesian national team by traveling to Saudi Arabia headquarters on September 5, 2024. After that, Garuda Troops will host Australia on September 10, 2024.