Indonesia Eyes semifinals in 2024 ASEAN Football Championship
the Indonesian national football team is facing a pivotal moment in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, formerly known as the AFF Championship. After a mixed bag of results in the group stage, their sights are firmly set on reaching the semifinals.
Indonesia’s journey has been a rollercoaster. A victory over Myanmar was followed by a draw against Laos and a loss too Vietnam. These results leave them in a tight battle for a knockout stage berth, currently holding second place in Group B with four points, neck and neck with Myanmar and slightly ahead of the Philippines (3 points). Vietnam, with seven points, appears poised to advance.
The upcoming match against the Philippines is crucial. A win is essential to secure a place in the next round. This do-or-die encounter will take place at Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, kicking off at 8:00 PM WIB (7:00 AM EST).
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir recently addressed the team’s goals, stating that reaching the semifinals is the primary objective. He provided insight into the team’s strategic approach to the tournament.
“It’s okay, it was already predicted that when we fielded a young team in the AFF, make sure there was a calculation. Yesterday, against Myanmar, we wanted to win, (the result) was a win. Against Laos, we wanted to win, (the result was) a draw. Against Vietnam, we predicted we would lose. Well, the last one against the National Team for the Philippines was to win. So we have already predicted the target of dropping the ranking because our team wants to face senior teams from many countries,”
Thohir further emphasized the team’s ambitions:
“And of course the target is the same, even though yesterday someone asked, ‘Sir, at that time, you said there was no target’. Oh I said,I never said that. All trials must be maximized and there must definitely be results with calculations. I think my friends—media friends—have their own calculations.If Indonesia plays against Laos, win against cambodia, against myanmar, win against Vietnam with this team, yes, that’s the outcome. If we can, the target is the semifinals,”
The Indonesian team’s performance in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup is a compelling story of youthful ambition and strategic planning on the international stage. the upcoming match against the Philippines will determine whether their aspirations of reaching the semifinals will be realized.
Indonesia’s Young Squad Aims for ASEAN Football Glory
Indonesia’s national football team is locked in a thrilling battle for a semifinal berth in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi electric Cup, formerly known as the AFF Championship. After a mixed bag of results in the group stage, can the young Garuda side overcome the Philippines and achieve their ambitious goals? We sat down with southeast asian football expert, Rizal Affandi, to discuss Indonesia’s prospects and the meaning of their journey.
World Today News: Rizal, Indonesia’s performance in the group stage has been a rollercoaster so far. A win against Myanmar,a draw with Laos,and a loss to Vietnam. What’s your take on their performance so far?
Rizal Affandi: It’s been a calculated approach, really. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir has been quite open about fielding a young squad with an eye on long-term development.They targeted wins against Myanmar and Laos, knowing that Vietnam would be a tougher challenge.
World Today News: So, they weren’t necessarily looking to top the group then?
Rizal Affandi: Not necessarily. Thohir’s emphasis has been on getting valuable experience against strong competition, preparing this young team for future tournaments. Reaching the semifinals would be a grate bonus, but the main focus seems to be on player development.
World Today News: the Philippines match is a must-win. Do you think they have enough firepower to secure a result?
Rizal Affandi: definitely. indonesia has some exciting attacking talent like [mention a specific player if you like]. I’m sure they’ll be going all out to get those three points and secure that semifinal spot. the Philippines will be a tough opponent, but I believe Indonesia has the edge.
World today News: Thohir has spoken about a desire to face senior teams from different countries. Is that something you see as crucial for Indonesia’s development?
Rizal Affandi: Absolutely. Playing against more experienced opposition is vital for a team’s growth. It pushes them out of their comfort zone and forces them to learn and adapt quickly. This tournament, even with its ups and downs, is providing invaluable lessons for these young players.
World Today News: So, where do you see Indonesia going from here?
Rizal affandi:** This is a team with tremendous potential.
If they can maintain this upward trajectory, build on the experience gained in this tournament, and keep promoting youth, I see Indonesia becoming a real force in Southeast Asian football in the coming years
