Why Is Ferrari Directly Played By New Zealand's Opponents While Ronaldo Is Not?

Indonesian national team defender U-20, Muhammad Ferrari. (Photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - There was an interesting sight when the U-20 Indonesian national team faced New Zealand U-20 at the International Friends Match U-20 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Sunday, February 19.

In the match against New Zealand, Muhammad Ferrari was played as a substitute in the second half. In fact, the player has just joined the Garuda Nusantara squad.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo Kwateh, who had already joined on his return from Turkey, was not included in the squad.

Related to this, the U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, gave a reasonable explanation. He plays Ferrari because he feels the player regularly plays in Liga 1 with Persija Jakarta.

For that, Shin considered that there was no problem when the defender was immediately played. Evidently, Ferrari immediately scored a goal in that match.

"If Ferrari does play in competition too, yes, so Ferrari's condition is also good," said Shin, as quoted from Antara, Monday, February 20.

"So even though it's too late to join the national team, I want to see if Ferrari can bring the defense with a good organization or not," he continued.

Berawal dari tendangan sudut, Ferarri berhasil memperkecil kedudukan melalui tandukannya.#KitaGaruda #TimnasDay pic.twitter.com/S9Vtghtwqd

— PSSI (@PSSI) February 19, 2023

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is considered not fit to play. Before the match, Shin said the player did not eat the portion of training in Turkey.

"So this friendly match tournament may not be played," said Shin Tae-yong during a training session on Saturday, February 18.

Meanwhile, Ferrari affirmed its commitment to appear wholeheartedly at every opportunity. He will appear 100 percent while defending the national team and his club.

"When I was at Persija I wanted to give my best and 100 percent, and when I was in the national team, I would also give 100 percent otherwise," said Ferrari.

"And I don't think about other things. I'm just focused on football. What's best for me, God willing, I do," he added.