Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, has expressed dissatisfaction over Indonesia's 3-3 draw against Laos in the second group stage match of the ASEAN Cup 2024 in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday.
"Despite being an appreciative leader, I must express my dissatisfaction in the event of an underwhelming result," he said in a statement received from his office here on Friday.
Thohir underscored that the initial goal was for Indonesia to emerge victorious in the match, which the Garuda Squad played with 10 players after Marselino Ferdinan received a second yellow card in the 69th minute.
For the ASEAN Cup, the PSSI set the target of the red and white team beating Myanmar and Laos and bagging at least one point each from upcoming matches against the Philippines and Vietnam.
"I have always said that we should set a target for every match and give our best. Otherwise, there is no point in participating in a competition," he said.
However, Thohir, former chairperson of Italian club Inter Milan, praised the youngster-dominated Team Indonesia for their hard work in stealing one point from Laos during Thursday's match at Manahan Stadium.
"I would like to deeply thank the players for their efforts. Note that some of them had to leave their duties in their clubs abroad to join the national squad. Some have even managed to secure a spot in their clubs' starting 11," he said.
He then shifted attention to Indonesia's match against Vietnam on December 15, 2024.
"The target for the clash against Vietnam is a draw. However, we aim for either a victory or a stalemate against the Philippines," he informed, alluding to Vietnam's status as a Southeast Asian football powerhouse.
Furthermore, the PSSI chair expressed the belief that Coach Shin Tae-yong will devise the best tactics against the next opponents.
"I am convinced that Coach Shin Tae-yong has already identified the strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia and its opponents," he said.
Editor : Vicki Febrianto
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