REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir is optimistic about the appointment of 21 players in the Red and White squad for the 2023 U-17 World Cup, which starts on 10 November. According to Erick, the U-17 team was the result of strict selection and the best player that PSSI lived in order to be able to excel on the world stage.

The U-17 team consists of players from Liga 1 clubs, PPLP, and two foreign clubs; Sao Paulo, Brazil and TSG Hofeiheim, Germany. Erick is optimistic that the selected squad of coach Bima Sakti, engineering director Indra Sjafri, and Frank Wormuth as a consultant could be held accountable for his achievements at this U-17 World Cup.

“I see that there is a balanced mix between the Under-16s who won the AFF 2022 and the players who have just joined, but have playing hours and experience in foreign clubs, such as Welber Jardim from Sao Paulo. The expectation is that they perform at their maximum because this is a great opportunity to perform at the World Cup,” said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Wednesday (1/11/2023).

“They are the best players in their position, and have been adapted to potential opponents in the preliminary round. Playing five weeks in Germany and seven test matches, I'm sure it will increase their guts to play at home to the maximum. The key is there three, the discipline of play, so if the formation is established, then discipline. Then communication on the ground is good so that they support each other. Third, try hard to score every attacking goal,” he stressed.

Erick added there were no easy opponents for the team in Group A with Ecuador, Morocco and Panama. Therefore, the Garuda Muda must continue to furnish their attacking ability. Indonesia will start the opening match of the 2023 FIFA World Cup U17 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Jatim, on 10 November against Ecuador.

“We should attack fiercely and as much as possible because the team will be against world-class teams. Never underestimate Panama, and never underestimate Ecuador and Morocco,” Erick said.

Meanwhile, the coach of the U-17 team, Bima Sakti believes that his proteges can give the best results in the prestigious event. “Bismillah we selected 21 players according to the needs of the team and the regulations of the U-17 World Cup which is a maximum of 21 players,” said coach Bima.

“We are optimistic that with the material of these players, we can achieve the best result in the 2023 U-17 World Cup. Currently, the development of players such as their physical, mental and game is very good and is progressing rapidly especially after the concentration of training in Germany,” he added.

“Thank you for the support that PSSI, the government and all parties have given us. We ask for the prayers and support of all parties so that we can achieve achievements in the 2023 U-17 World Cup,” he said.

21 Indonesian national team players for the 2023 U-17 World Cup:

Goalkeepers:

1. Ikram Algiffari

- PPLP Sumbar

2. Andrika Fathir

- Borneo FC

3. Rifky Tofani - PPOP

DKI Jakarta

Rear:

4. Rizdjar Nurviat

- Borneo FC

5. Tonci Ramandei

- PPLP Papua

6. Mohamad Andre - Bali United

7. Welberlineskott

Jardim - Sao Paulo

8. Sultan Zaky - PSM Makassar

9. Habil Abdillah

- PPLP Jateng

10. M Iqbal Gwijangge

- Barito Putera

Middle:

11. Achmad Zidan -

PSS Sleman

12. Mokhamad Hanif

- Cipta Scholar

I'm 13. Figo Dennis - Persija Jakarta

14. Muhammad Kafiatur - Gods United

I'm 15. Ji Da Bin - ASIOP

I'm 16. Amar Brkic - TSG

1899 Hoffenheim He's

17. M. Risk Afrisal -

Madura United

18. M. Nabil Asyura - Persija Jakarta

I'm 19. Jehan Pahlevi - Persija Jakarta

Front:

I'm 20. Arkhan Kaka - Persis Solo

I'm 21. M. Aulia Rahman - Persita

Tangerang

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