Jakarta –
The U-20 World Cup for Indonesia is only a few days away. This is a historic moment for Indonesia, as well as an important event for world football.
Six stadiums in the country have been prepared to host the U-20 World Cup which is planned to take place from May 20 to June 11 2023. The six stadiums are Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (Jakarta), Si Jalak Harupat (Bandung), Manahan (Solo), Gelora Bung Tomo (Surabaya), Jakabaring (Palembang), and Captain I Wayan Dipta (Bali).
The U-20 World Cup itself is one of the most anticipated events in the world. This biennial event has brought out a number of talented talents who are now known in the world of professional football. Here’s the review.
Harry Kane
England national team bomber and Tottenham Hotspur Harry Kane was a member of the England squad at the 2013 U-20 World Cup or 10 years ago. He appeared in all three group stage matches in Turkey. From there, Kane went on to make his senior England debut in 2015 when England faced Lithuania at Wembley Stadium.
Lionel Messi
According to augustman.com records, Lionel Messi started his career on the international stage by helping Argentina win the U-20 World Cup in 2005 which was held in the Netherlands. After that, Messi’s name shone even more with Barcelona.
The player who is often called the GOAT of world football became the first player in history with 10 Player of the Match awards at a World Cup tournament after winning his fourth title in the 2022 edition following a win against Croatia. He extended that streak to 11 with victory in the final against France.
Diego Maradona
Next is world football legend Diego Maradona. The man who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 30, 1960 is known for his extraordinary achievements in the world of international football.
britannica.com notes Maradona began his professional football career after signing for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 14 and making his debut in the first division in 1976, 10 days short of his 16th birthday. Four months later he made his debut with the national team, becoming the youngest Argentinian player to ever do so. Although he was dropped from the 1978 World Cup winning squad because he was still too young, in 1979 he led the U-20 national team to win the Junior World Cup.
Returning to the Indonesian U-20 World Cup, PSSI Chairman for the 2023-2027 period, Erick Thohir, who was officially at the PSSI Extraordinary Congress (KLB) in Jakarta some time ago, played an important role in organizing this prestigious event. Erick is known to have a track record in the world of football having been involved in developing the world-class football team Inter Milan.
Member of Commission VI of the Republic of Indonesia DPR, Andre Rosiade, who is also a Representative for Semen Padang FC, said that Erick’s experience leading a world-class football club such as Inter Milan was considered a good starting point for advancing the world of Indonesian football.
“He has basic capital and sufficient experience because he has led a world-class soccer club. In addition to his experience at PERBASI, how can he develop basketball in Indonesia so that achievements can also be applied in the world of Indonesian football,” Andre was quoted as saying in a statement. written, Friday (24/2/2023).
Apart from that, according to him, Erick’s actions as Minister of SOEs also succeeded in fixing SOEs which were previously in a slump. This achievement is reflected in the performance of SOEs which are now able to pocket profits and even pay the largest dividends in the history of the Republic of Indonesia.
“This gives optimism that Erick Thohir can make significant changes in the world of Indonesian football,” said Andre.
(akd/ega)
