U-17 World Cup Preview: Indonesia Is Ready To Go Out In The Second Match Against Panama

The U-17 Indonesian national team is ready to face Panama U-17 at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. (Doc. LOC WCU17)

SURABAYA - The U-17 Indonesian national team stepped on the gas to finalize preparations for the second match of Group A of the 2023 U-17 World Cup. The match against Panama U-17 at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT), Surabaya, Monday, November 13, 2023 became the target of Indonesia's U-17 victory.

A crucial match for Garuda Muda. The target of winning is non-negotiable, especially after Indonesia U-17 drew 1-1 against Ecuador U-17. Victory over Panama U-17 helps at least smooth the national team's steps to the next round or the last 16.

Indonesian U-17 national team player Riski Afrisal said all players, whoever is fielded, are ready to go all out in the deciding match. Moreover, players are still curious after failing to score points in the first match.

"We are still grateful to be able to get one point in that match. Now, we are ready for the next match against Panama. Of course we want to meet the full red point target," said Riski, who provided assists to Arkhan Kaka in the match against Ecuador.

Indonesia U-17 coach, Bima Sakti said he had made thorough preparations for the match against Panama. He has also observed Panama's game style which lost 2-0 to the first match against Morocco U-17.

"We've been watching the game through video. We've informed the players how their strengths and weaknesses are. I have to make sure the players have to have one perception," Bima said.

"They have good individual qualities, the organization is also decent. Hopefully players can apply it according to the game plan," he said.

Bima Sakti does not want to be trapped by predictions that place Indonesia as a seed. He was reluctant to underestimate Panama's strength. In order to overcome player fitness, he plans to make changes to the composition of starting eleven.

"The possibility of rotation remains but not much. Maybe there are several positions that must be changed. On paper, it should be able (to win over Panama). But football is not like mathematics. Most importantly, the focus of every game," said the Milky Way.

Meanwhile, Panamanian U-17 coach Mike Stump was enthusiastic and great in spirit to look at the second match. Despite fighting the hosts, he stated that Panama's firmness was in vain through Indonesia.

Stamp was also impressed by the host supporters who were able to revive football's passion. He has also felt the atmosphere of the extraordinary supporters at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium.

"The atmosphere and supporters here are very good. I hope it will be even better. I can't wait to compete immediately. I know Indonesia has extraordinary supporters. Of course, they are not an easy team to beat," said Stump.

Panama U-17, before completing the U-17 World Cup, had a trial against BhayangkaraU-19 at Unesa Square, Surabaya. As a result, they partyed with a score of 10-0 in a match lasting 3x20 minutes.

Unfortunately, the big win did not continue at the 2023 U-17 World Cup because Panama started with a 2-0 defeat to Morocco. Mike Stump said players were still nervous about the first match.