The Indonesian U-17 National Team Game Pattern Has Developed, But There Are Still Notes

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-17 Indonesian national team lost again in the 2023 U-17 World Cup preparatory test match. This time, the Garuda Asia squad lost 0-1 to South Korea U-17.

Despite losing, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir still gave appreciation. He considered that the U-17 national team game had developed more when compared to previous test matches.

"When testing in Bali against Barcelona Juvenil A and Kashima Antlers, the U-17 national team's pattern of play has not yet been seen," said Erick.

"I think there is a very significant improvement where we see the pattern of the game. At the time in Bali, it has not been patterned," said the SOE Minister on the official PSSI website.

"If now it has started to be patterned, how is it behind the meeting and then in the middle, to the top (front line) that must be corrected because several counter attacks are the real momentum," he continued.

However, Erick gave a note about the concentration of the U-17 national team. According to him, a draw in the first half against the Asian second place team is a good thing, but focus must be maintained.

"The game of football is 90 minutes we have to focus. Now we see when there is a substitution of players, we are a bit careless, there are only goals and penalties, this is what I think is a record too," added Erick.

However, Erick believes that the game of the Bima Sakti team will continue to grow before the 2023 U-17 World Cup is held. Moreover, the U-17 national team has been scheduled to conduct a training camp (TC) in Germany.

The former Inter Milan president revealed that Muhammad Iqbal Gwijangge and his friends would have a busy schedule. Not only training, the Garuda Muda squad will undergo a mini tournament by facing classy teams.