FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Derrick Xzavierro Confident That Indonesia Can Beat Australia

Derrick Michael (Instagram @derrickmichael_)

JAKARTA - The national team basketball player Derrick Michael Xzavierro is confident that Indonesia can win against Australia in the final Group A match of the 2022 FIBA Asian Cup on Saturday, July 16.

Deirrick and friends just suffered a 65-74 defeat in the second match against Jordan at Istora Senayan, on Thursday, July 14. This defeat made the chances of Red and White qualify as group winners to shrink.

In order to qualify as group winners, Indonesia must beat Australia while hoping that Saudi Arabia beats Jordan. However, if Jordan wins against Saudi Arabia, then Indonesia must beat Australia by a minimum difference of 14 points.

"Of course we are confident. We have 100 percent confidence because we need to win against Australia. We need two more wins to qualify for the [FIBA 2023] World Cup," said Derrick after the match.

Despite losing against Jordan, the Red and White squad has been confirmed for the playoffs. The playoff ticket was obtained by Milos Pejic's team after recording a big 80-54 win in the inaugural match.

Indonesia only needs to wait for the results of the match between Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the last match to ensure they qualify as the second or third-ranked team. If Jordan wins, Indonesia will finish in third place and will face the runners-up in Group B.

On the other hand, if Saudi Arabia wins, with a difference of less than 43 points, then Indonesia will fill the runner-up position in the group. If it is in third position, Indonesia is likely to meet a strong Chinese team.

"I don't really care [if we meet China]. As long as he plays basketball and of course round ball. I don't care at all. We can win, I'm not worried about that," said Derrick.

The 2022 FIBA Asian Cup is the only door for the Indonesian basketball national team to get a ticket to the 2023 World Cup. To qualify for the event, Indonesia must reach the last eight of the 16 teams playing in the Asian Cup.

Previously, Indonesia's opportunity to qualify through the qualification route was closed. That's because Red and White have always lost in six matches in Group C in the Asian Zone. The qualification took place from November last year to July this year.