Erick Thohir Calls The Lebanese Versus Match A Benchmark For The Quality Of The Indonesian National Team

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir (Photo: Antara)

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir said FIFA's friendly match against Lebanon, Monday, September 8, would be a benchmark for the quality of the Indonesian national team, which on Friday, September 5 defeated Taiwan 6-0.

"So the real test is against Lebanon, not Taiwan," said Erick after the match versus Taiwan at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya.

According to him, the match against Lebanon can be an illustration of the fourth round of the Asian zone 2026 World Cup Qualification. Because, in that phase, Indonesia will face two countries that also come from West Asia, namely Saudi Arabia and Iraq in October 2025.

It is also considered that Lebanon can hone the performance of the Indonesian national team squad because it has a better FIFA memory. Lebanon is currently in the 118th position of FIFA, while Indonesia is ranked 118.

In order to achieve positive results when meeting Lebanon, the man who is also the Minister of SOEs said that the Indonesian national team needed evaluation, especially in terms of finishing even though they won six goals without reply against Taiwan.

"If we look at the attack, it is sharp, but finishing is sometimes still in a hurry," said Erick.

Meanwhile, regarding the performance of new players in the Indonesian national team such as Miliano Jonathans and Mauro Zijlstra, Erick was reluctant to provide an evaluation.

Miliano and Mauro, who appeared as substitutes when they met Taiwan, as well as other "Garuda" players are said to be still adapting to the four-back scheme and possession of the ball from tactician Patrick Kluivert. Previously, the national team was indeed familiar with coach Shin Tae-yong's three-back formation.

Andrian And Hilgers

On the same occasion, Erick also explained about Adrian Wibowo, a player of Indonesian descent who had a career at the Los Angeles FC club at MLS.

He is optimistic that Adrian can immediately strengthen the Indonesian national team

"There is no problem for him (Adrian)," he said.

Then about Mess Hilgers, Erick made sure PSSI gave him the opportunity to complete the transfer process for his club in Europe.

"Yesterday's meeting called, sorry. We gave him the opportunity to complete the transfer. There is still time until September 6", he said.

Erick added, it is important to maintain a balance between the dedication of players to the national team and career interests at the club so that players can make maximum contributions.

"They join this national team, right, part of the sacrifice. So, don't let us sacrifice their careers," he said.