CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 28 Feb 2023 19:07 WIB
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Chairman of PSSI Erick Thohir target Indonesian U-20 National Team qualify for the group phase of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
“We will prepare as well as possible. I hope our main target today is to qualify for the group first. That is the goal and this requires preparation for mental focus and excellent training,” said Erick at the 2023 U-20 World Cup press conference, Tuesday (28/2 ).
According to Erick, the target of breaking through to the knockout phase could also be realized with the support of Garuda Nusantara supporters during the tournament. According to him, the positivism of the fans will add to Indonesia’s strength to appear in front of the public itself.
“I hope the Indonesian fans will be an extra breath. This 2×45 minute match comes at a higher level than us. Many countries have a higher level, we need an extra breath,” he said.
Erick said that the success of the 2023 U-20 World Cup would be a provision for Indonesia’s future if it wants to host the senior World Cup. He is optimistic, Indonesia can hold the world’s highest football party like Qatar and other countries.
“Preparation for the U-20 World Cup is preparation for the forerunner of whether we are ready for the World Cup. That is why the implementation and national achievements must go hand in hand, no one can be left behind,” he said.
“This U-20 World Cup is a process so that we have a track record and standards that can be accepted by the world,” he added.
The 2023 U-20 World Cup will be held in Indonesia from 20 May to 11 June. This is the first time Indonesia has hosted an official FIFA event.
Indonesia is the second Southeast Asian country to host the junior World Cup. Previously, Malaysia had held a similar event in 1997.
There are six locations that will be used for the U-20 World Cup. The venues are Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (Jakarta), Gelora Bung Tomo (Surabaya), Si Jalak Harupat (Bandung), Gelora Sriwijaya (Palembang), Manahan (Solo), and Captain I Wayan Dipta (Gianyar).
(ikw/rhr)
