Ahead Of Australia's Herbal Medicine, The Indonesian National Team Manager Believes The Psychological Condition Of Positive Players

Three Indonesian national team players after scoring goals against Saudi Arabia, from the left: Ragnar Oeratmangun, Sandy Walsh, and Rafael Struick. (Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian national team manager Kombes Pol Sumardji said the psychological condition of the players in his squad was positive ahead of the match against Australia in Group C in the third round of the Asian zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Tuesday (10/9).

"The psychological condition of the current players is extraordinary. Hopefully this will continue to improve again," said Sumardji at the Gelora Bung Karno Intermediate Stadium, Jakarta as quoted by Antara, Sunday.

Sumardji said that one important thing that made the mentality of the national team players positive was their success in holding Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in Jeddah in the inaugural match of Group C, Friday (6/9) in the morning.

This achievement is considered very okay because Saudi Arabia is the number 56 FIFA team, while Indonesia is in the 133rd position.

Saudi Arabia has just participated in the 2022 World Cup, which is the sixth World Cup they have participated in in history.

"We should be grateful for that," said Sumardji.

He emphasized, in general, that the Indonesian national team is in a condition ready to fight against Australia.

However, Sumardji continued, there was one obstacle faced, namely physical. Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong also mentioned that his players were exhausted after the match versus Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia will face Australia in the third round of Group C qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/9), starting at 19.00 WIB.