Suara Denpasar – PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir and former Persija Newsdelivers.com Striker, Bambang Pamungkas have good confidence in the U17 World Cup.
This was after the Indonesian National Team competed in Group A with Ecuador, Morocco and Panama according to the 2023 U-17 World Cup draw on Friday (15/9/2023).
The General Chair of PSSI, Erick Thohir, fired up enthusiasm for the Garuda Muda retainers to get through the preliminary phase of competition.
The Indonesian U-17 national team was spared from group hell, like Group D which presented quite tough competition involving Japan, Argentina, Senegal, Poland.
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As well as Group E, which places strong countries such as France, South Korea, the United States, Burkina Faso.
“Don’t be afraid, even though we qualify automatically as hosts. Let’s show that we also deserve to appear in this U17 World Cup,” said Erick Thohir, quoted from the PSSI website.
“This is the best match, I had other hopes but they didn’t come true. If we look at the three countries that are potential opponents, we have hope. Hopefully we can get through the elimination,” said Erick Thohir.
Meanwhile, former national team player Bambang Pamungkas and football observer M. Kusnaeni expressed an optimistic attitude.
In fact, both of them believe that the Garuda Muda Team can go beyond qualifying for the group, and even become group winners.
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“This is a tournament that will not come twice for young players. So you have to enjoy it, bring out your best abilities, and you have to be motivated to be the best,” explained Bambang Pamungkas.
Bepe, his nickname, stated that the principle of preparing yourself optimally and not being afraid of the opponents you will face is the key to surviving in high-intensity tournaments.
“The key is facing Ecuador as the first opponent. If this can be overcome then the chances of qualifying for the next round will be even greater.”
“The point is, don’t be afraid to play, don’t even be afraid to win the group,” stressed M. Kusnaeni.
World Cup Group Division:
Group A: Indonesia, Ecuador, Panama, Morocco,
Group B: Espanyol, Mali, Uzbekistan, Canada
Group C: Brazil, England, Iran, New Caledonia
Group D: Japan, Argentina, Senegal, Poland
Group E: France, South Korea, United States, Burkina Faso
Group F: Mexico, Germany, New Zealand, Venezuela