If You Win Against Vietnam And Japan, PSSI Will Make A Big Bonus To The Indonesian National Team

The Indonesian national team will face Vietnam in the second match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum) Erick Thohir promised a big bonus to the Indonesian national team. The condition is that the Garuda Squad must be able to record a victory over Vietnam and Japan in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup.

The big Ganjaran was promised by PSSI because the victory in the remaining two matches brought the Indonesian national team to lock the ticket qualifying for the round of 16.

"There are results, give bonuses. Moreover, Pak Jokowi at the 2023 SEA Games gave bonuses. I just want to, don't turn it around (not yet performing but chasing bonuses)," said Erick Thohir when met in Central Jakarta, Thursday, January 18, 2024.

"If you fight Vietnam and Japan win, big bonus. Don't turn it around. Haven't fought (asked for a bonus) yet, don't. Because we have to wake up first (win in the Asian Cup)," he said.

The chairman of PSSI revealed that although one target in the inaugural match missed because he lost 1-3 to Iraq, the Garuda Squad had to rise and show a patriotic spirit in the remaining two matches.

"I don't want to because one target missed us being a team that is not optimistic."

"I see a lot of other countries' teams that have a patriotic spirit. This is what I also hope that the Indonesian national team must be no less patriotism," he said.

Furthermore, the chairman of PSSI also hopes that the Indonesian national team will be able to perform optimally in the remaining two matches. He did not want Shin Tae-yong's team to be trapped in a winning mindset.

He believes that the Indonesian national team can perform better and show improvement. Especially now that the squad is filled with young players who can work together with senior players.

"So, I hope that the Indonesian national team will perform optimally. Don't be trapped in a mindset, well, you can't get points, you will immediately limp. If you are weak, it's better to just go home," he said.

"In fact, I'm sure they can still give their best. I see that the Indonesian national team is many young people, on average they are still under 24 years old. I hope that the senior and junior teams can coexist," said the PSSI chairman.

The Indonesian national team still has two matches left in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup against Vietnam and Japan. The match against Vietnam will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 21.30 WIB.

The match was quite tough for the Indonesian national team after losing points in the inaugural match. Against Vietnam, the Garuda Squad must win so that their efforts are easier to maintain hope in the knockout phase of the 2023 Asian Cup.