PSSI Chairman: Ernando Is A Hero In The U-23 National Team

Indonesian National Team Goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi caught a penalty kick from a Malaysian national team footballer in the match for the bronze medal in SEA Games/DOK ANTARA

SURABAYA - Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir assessed that the goalkeeper for the U-23 Indonesian football national team, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, was a hero for the team. "I think Ernando is the hero, if in the first penalty he has scored and Ernando has managed to hold him back, if he is not sure there will be no drama until he gets on penalties," he said when met by reporters in Surabaya, Antara, Sunday, August 27. According to the man who also serves as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Ernando has provided the best results during a penalty shootout. "During practice, I think it has been done. This is Indonesia's future goalkeeper," he said. Erick explained that Ernando had also responded well in every match. "This erando in the future can be the best goalkeeper in Indonesia," he said. In addition, his party also appreciates the players and officials who have struggled and have committed to Merah Putih. "Our players, a total of 16 players, 11 who played, two goalkeepers and three reserves and had to undergo matches to shoot a penalty shootout," he said. In addition, he feels that the Indonesian U-23 national team players already have a mental playing and good guts. "This is the guts that I always say. It cannot be underestimated," said Erick. Don't forget that he also reminded the match that took place in The U-23 Indonesian national team was defeated by Vietnam through a penalty shootout which ended 5-6 in the final of the U-23 AFF Cup which took place at Rayong Province Stadium, Thailand, Saturday. In the Indonesian penalty shootout, the captain of Dewangga opened the scoring, 1-0. Nguyen Duc Viet's shot was able to equalize for Vietnam, 1-1. Arkhan Fikri was able to increase Indonesia's advantage to 2-1. Dinh Xuan Tien's kick was able to equalize 2-2. Frengky's shot brought Indonesia back to 3-2. Then Le Nguyen Hoang equalized 3-3. Kelly's shot into the right corner of the goal put Indonesia 4-3 up. Tran Nam Hai brought Vietnam to equalize 4-4. Sananta was able to net the ball and made the Garuda Muda team return to lead 5-4. Luong Duy Cuong then equalized to 5-5. Ernando's shot was saved by Quan Van Chuan and then Thai Ba Dat's shot was able to trick Ernando who made the penalty shootout end 6-5 for Vietnam's victory.