Erick Thohir Demands Indonesia Win Against Philippines in AFF Cup 2024
indonesia Eyes Semifinal Berth as Erick Thohir Urges Victory Over Philippines
Solo, Indonesia – With a crucial semifinal spot on the line, Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir has issued a rallying cry to the national team, urging them to secure a victory against the Philippines in their final Group B match of the 2024 AFF Championship.
The Garuda, as the Indonesian national team is affectionately known, will face the Azkals at the Manahan Stadium in Solo on Sunday, December 21st. A win would guarantee Indonesia’s progression to the knockout stages.
“Every time we send a team, we have a target,” Thohir stated in Jakarta on Monday. “Defeating Myanmar and Laos was a must. Against Vietnam, we aimed for a respectable result, and a draw would have been fantastic.”
Thohir acknowledged the demanding schedule of the tournament, which features a home-and-away format in the group stage, but emphasized the importance of focus and commitment.
“All formats are tiring,” he said,addressing concerns raised by Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong about the tournament’s structure. “But we didn’t force Liga 1 to pause. We’re focused on developing young players. Even in European leagues, players compete in domestic competitions and then the Champions League.
“I hope that whatever program is in place, everyone commits to it. Let’s not dwell on complaints, let’s focus on the agreed-upon program. We have a good program, a good coach, and the players must also be good.”
Currently, Indonesia sits in second place in Group B with four points from three matches. Vietnam leads the group with six points from two games.A victory against the Philippines would secure Indonesia’s automatic qualification for the semifinals.
Indonesia’s AFF Championship Hopes Hinge on Philippines Clash, Says Football Chief
Solo, Indonesia – The Indonesian national football team, nicknamed the Garuda, faces a must-win situation against the Philippines in their final Group B match of the 2024 AFF Championship. With a coveted semifinal spot on the line, PSSI chairman Erick Thohir has issued a powerful call to action, urging the team to secure victory at the Manahan Stadium in Solo on Sunday, December 21st.
Thohir,speaking in jakarta on Monday,highlighted the importance of this decisive encounter after Indonesia’s draw against Vietnam,stating that a win against the Philippines would guarantee a place in the knockout stages.
He acknowledged the demanding home-and-away format of the tournament, addressing concerns raised by Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong,but emphasized that the focus should remain on achieving their goal: “all formats are tiring,but we didn’t force Liga 1 to pause… We’re focused on developing young players.”
Indonesia currently sits second in Group B with four points from three matches, trailing Vietnam who leads with six points from two games. A win against the Philippines would catapult Indonesia into the semifinals.