Indonesia Eyes Top 8 in Upcoming U-20 World Cup: PSSI Chairperson

Chairperson of the PSSI Mochamad Iriawan. Photo by: Fitri/PR

The Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) continues to schedule a series of training camps and matches as part of preparation for U-20 national soccer team to compete in the 2021 U-20 World Cup.

“The minimum target for the U-20 national team at the upcoming World Cup is to advance to the knockout stage. It will be better if we can advance to the top 8,” Chairperson of the PSSI Mochamad Iriawan said after attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting via video conference on the Progress of Preparation for the 2021 U-20 World Cup, Tuesday (12/10).

In the meantime, Iriawan said that the U-19 Indonesian national team is conducting a training camp in Croatia. Previously, this training camp was designed to prepare the team for the AFC Cup in Uzbekistan which will take place in October this year. However, the final round of the U-19 AFC Cup was postponed to 22 February 2021.

In Croatia, the national team had 10 trial matches with the results of 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses.

“In terms of performance, thank God, we can see good improvements. They are ready to compete 2×45 minutes, maybe even 2×60 minutes there,” Iriawan said, adding that the training camp also aims to develop the spirit and self-discipline of the national team.

Apart from Croatia, the PSSI will also provide a national team training camp in France at the end of this year. “On 21 December, we will go there until January 2021, and we will participate in the Cologne Tournament. We want them (U-19 national team) to remain in France for training and trial matches,” Iriawan said.

In the press conference, Iriawan extended his appreciation to the Government for providing support to the programs implemented by the PSSI, especially the implementation of training camps abroad. (MAY/UN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana