After Defeating Singapore, Erick Thohir Praises The Physical And Mental Strength Of The Young Garuda Squad

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir (Photo: VOI)

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir praised the physical and mental strength of the Garuda Muda squad who won 3-0 over Singapore in the 2024 ASEAN U16 Boys Championship (AFF U16) at the Solo Manahan Stadium, Friday, June 21.

"Our U16 players played quite well. There were actually many goal opportunities, but they often failed because they were not calm. Earlier they got a penalty, but were thwarted to show they had a strong mental foundation," said Erick Thohir quoting Antara.

"Indeed, there was a burden in the first 15 minutes, but after that they played well. There were two positive things from the national team, good and mental," said Erick Thohir who witnessed the match directly in Manahan, Solo with the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia who was elected for the period 2024-2029, Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Menpora Dito Ariotedjo.

Playing attacking since kick off, several golden opportunities were immediately created by coach Nova Arianto's team. Indonesia got the first golden opportunity in the 22nd minute. Nazriel Alfaro, who is in a free position to shoot the ball in the penalty box, but can be blocked from the Singapore goalkeeper, Jarec Ng.

Singapore was awarded a 12 kick just in the 29th minute. However, Singapore's penalty taker Nathan Mao was successfully thwarted by Indonesian goalkeeper M Ichsan.

Indonesia broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Putu Panji managed to break into Singapore's goal after heading into the ball from the throw into Fabio Azka Irawan who headed straight into the Singapore penalty box.

In the second half, the Indonesian chance added goals repeatedly wide open. But only two goals were able to be generated through Evandra Florasta in the 65th minute and Fadly Alberto in the 89th minute.

"When I met before I played, I asked the children to play freely. Without pressure, and it was shown in the match. There is one important point that can be seen from the Garuda Belia team that their skills and mentality are relatively good," said Erick.

"That's a big capital to become a mainstay player for our national team in the future," continued Erick.

Erick further emphasized that the U16 National Team is the result of a selection that can be accounted for. "There are no players entrusted. This applies to domestic players and diaspora. The condition is, individual skills and prioritize cohesiveness," he added.

He also hopes that Nova Arianto's team can optimize this event to secure the title as well as build the Garuda squad for the future.

"If they can win, they will not only repeat previous achievements, but they will be the focus to qualify for the U-17 World Cup next year in Qatar," said Erick.

"If last year our national team qualified for the World Cup for young talents because they are the hosts, then this time it must be able to fight for tickets. With sufficient preparation, they have the momentum to make it happen," concluded Erick.