JAKARTA - PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir expressed his extraordinary pride for the achievement of the U-23 Indonesian national team in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. He even mentioned that Garuda Muda is a new historical printer.
The U-23 Indonesian national team managed to win over South Korea U-23 in the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
Appearing at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the early hours of Indonesian Western Time (WIB), Garuda Muda won 11-10 through a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw over Taumpik Warriors to an extension round.
This result then brought Indonesia U-23 to the semifinals in its U-23 Asian Cup debut. For Erick Thohir, that moment must be grateful and Garuda Muda deserves to be called a historical printer who made the nation proud.
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"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to the Almighty and proud of the players, coaches, and officials of the U-23 Indonesian national team who are extraordinary and continue to create history for Indonesian football," he said in a statement quoted on Friday, April 26, 2024.
"The gold generation of young footballers has struggled with high enthusiasm, mental steel, and gave the best for Indonesia. Thank you," said the chairman of PSSI who was also present at the stadium.
Meanwhile, the victory over South Korea U-23 is a new history for Indonesian football.
You see, at the U-23 age group level, Indonesia is the first time to beat Taegeuk Warriors. In the previous two encounters, Garuda Muda always lost.
The defeat occurred in the 2016 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification. Indonesia U-23 lost 0-4 so it failed to qualify for the final round in Qatar.
Then, the second meeting took place in an international friendly match where Garuda Muda lost 1-2.
This means that Indonesia U-23's victory over South Korea U-23 in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals also breaks the bad record for meetings.
In addition, Garuda Muda is now getting closer to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Erick Thohir also said that Indonesia U-23 has a big chance.
They just need to focus on their next target by qualifying for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup final.
"There is such a thing as momentum in sports. I have seen since the group stage, then in the quarter-finals, that momentum belongs to us."
"Now the U-23 Indonesian national team can step into the semifinals. It is very logical if the next target is the final," said Erick.
In addition to asking the U-23 Indonesian national team to continue to focus on the next target, Erick Thohir also did not forget to ask for prayers and support from all Indonesian people so that dreams can be realized.
"What is certain is that we at PSSI, all players and officials, continue to hope for prayers and support from all the people and Indonesian football lovers. It's time to achieve higher dreams," he said.
As is known, to qualify automatically for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indonesia U-23 must finish in the top three of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
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