Thom Haye Doesn't Want To Give Up, There Are Still Many Possibilities In Group C Of The 2026 World Cup Qualification

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team midfielder, Thom Haye, did not want to give up after losing to Japan 0-4 last week.

The result did make the position of the Garuda Squad slump to being caretaker of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone. However, according to Thom Haye, anything is still possible.

The 29-year-old player was reluctant to downplay Indonesia's chances in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Only now, the Garuda Squad must achieve positive results in the remaining matches.

Nearby, the Indonesian national team will host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

The three points in that match will make the Indonesian national team's chances of going to the next phase widen again.

"The most important thing now is that we have to stay strong after losing. We are trying very hard to train well (the pandemic is preparing) the match against Saudi Arabia."

"For us now, in the group everything can still happen. My focus is on the match against Saudi Arabia," Thom Haye said on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Thom Haye further did not want to be completely inferior in front of Saudi Arabia. He gave an example of how to trouble Japan at the start of the match.

Moreover, the Garuda Squad was able to force The Green Falcon to play series 1-1 when appearing in Jeddah.

"I think I agree with coach Shin Tae-yong, we drew in Jeddah. It was still at the start of the round. I think now our team is more fit and strong."

"Against Japan, even in the early minutes we were able to show that we were able to play."

"Unfortunately, in the end, we couldn't continue that (performance). As the coach said, we have prepared ourselves and will show it in the match against Saudi Arabia," said the Almere City player.

One of the strengths of the Indonesian national team while playing at home is the support of tens of thousands of supporters.

It is also hoped that Thom Haye will repeat itself in the match against Saudi Arabia. You see, support from supporters means a lot to spark the team's enthusiasm.

"I think with the support, we can fight together. I want to keep this spirit. Everything is still open."

"So, I want to ask for support from supporters, while we will give everything on the pitch," said Thom Haye.

After fighting Saudi Arabia, the Indonesian national team will play four more matches in Group C. The four matches will only be played in 2025.