JAKARTA (Bernama-ANTARA): Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir expressed his gratitude and pride over the success of the Indonesian national team in advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
The Indonesian football team stormed into the semifinals after defeating South Korea in a penalty shootout 11-10, after a tie of 2-2.
"I am really grateful, and I am so proud of our players, coaches, officials, and the whole team who created new history for Indonesian football. The fans back home are celebrating wildly," he stated on Friday.
According to Thohir, the team possessed a high level of enthusiasm along with a strong mentality to deliver the best result for the country.
"Thank you," he told the match attendees.
The PSSI chair affirmed that the team had created new history for Indonesian football, as it was able to project Indonesia's positive image at the global level by qualifying for the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup for the first time.
The match took place at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Thursday (April 25) local time. Apart from being the first team to be able to reach the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, it also widened its chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Thohir lauded the players' discipline, mentality, and high level of motivation to make history that helped them to play without burden, thereby being instrumental in the national team's ability to beat South Korea that was unable to concede a goal throughout this tournament.
"In sport, there is such a thing as momentum. From what I saw, since the group stage to quarter-finals, the momentum was ours," he said.
When asked about the next target, Thohir replied that the association is eyeing the finals.
"PSSI, all players, and officials are asking for prayers and support from all Indonesians. It is our time to achieve higher dreams," he remarked. - Bernama-Antara
