2024-07-09 12:44:47
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. (ANTARA/Zaro Ezza Syachniar)
jpnn.comJAKARTA – The firm statement by PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir motivating the Red and White national team to defeat Australia again in various events has received support from many parties.
The statement made by Erick after the Australian U-16 team won the ASEAN Boys 16 Championships 2024, Wednesday, July 2, at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, was conveyed to the Garuda Muda national team which won third place in the championship often referred to as the AFF U16.
Erick, who appreciated the performance of Putu Panji et al during the AFF U-16, asked the players to immediately forget the failure to defend the championship title and also the defeat to Australia in the semifinals.
According to him, the achievements and struggles of the Garuda Muda national team are a motivation, not only for the players, but also for the Senior National Team to navigate a new rivalry with the team nicknamed the Socceroos.
“Since we defeated Australia in the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, they have targeted us as their new rival. That is why when their young team won in the AFF yesterday, the celebration was a bit excessive, but, remember, I asked the players, no one should lower their heads. No one should cry. Later we will meet Australia, we will beat them. Together with the supporters, we will support the national team to the fullest. We are a great nation, why should we be afraid of them,” said Erick Thohir in his statement, Sunday (7/7).
“Our young Garuda must rise against Australia in October. Moreover, yesterday we played with 10 men and were able to fight. Then, I will tell our senior team who will meet Australia in the World Cup qualifiers to also fight and be able to beat them again,” continued Erick.
According to football observer Tommy Welly, Erick Thohir’s statement that continues to motivate Zahaby Gholy et al not to lower their heads and not to cry is the right thing to do.
“Losing in football is common. However, I see that Erick Thohir actually used the momentum of the defeat to provide a powerful injection of motivation that can raise the mental level, competition, and skills of the players,” said Towel – Tommy Welly’s nickname.
PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir motivated the Indonesian National Team to beat Australia again in various events.