JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali asked the public not to ridicule the Indonesian national team after being defeated by Vietnam 0-4 in the Asian zone 2022 World Cup Qualification Group G in Dubai, Monday, June 7.
According to him, the defeat of the Garuda squad should not be a problem. He understands that the players who were deployed in the qualifying match were young players and lacked experience competing at the international level.
"Whatever the results of the Indonesian national team in Dubai, I ask you not to make a fuss. There are still good developments and progress in our national team," Zainudin said at a virtual press conference in Jakarta that was reported by Antara, Tuesday.
"Don't be ridiculed, bullied because their mentality is still young," he said.
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Not only that, but Zainudin also understands the defeat suffered by Shin Tae-yong's team considering the wide difference in FIFA rankings, where Merah Putih occupies 173rd position, while Vietnam is ranked 92.
The Golkar Party politician thinks there is still hope for the Indonesian national team. The League 1 and League 2 competitions are expected to be able to finalize the game of the Garuda squad in facing various championships in the future, including the Vietnam SEA Games.
He also reminded the players to remain disciplined in training and diet when returning to their respective clubs.
“There are many things that need to be fixed, there is still time. Later in League 1 and League 2 their maturation in the competition. The hope is that when they return to the club, they will continue to hold on to what has been obtained in the national team," concluded Zainudin.
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