REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, is grateful that the Indonesian national team finally made a new history in the Asian Cup by qualifying for the top 16 for the first time.

This certainty came after one of Indonesia's last strongest contenders in the best-of-three mini-standings, Oman was held to a 1-1 draw by Kyrgyzstan in the closing match of Group F of the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Thursday (25/1/2024).

This result made Oman not move away from the fifth position of the mini-standings of the best three after collecting only 2 points with a goal difference of -1 and enough to make Indonesia qualify for the round of 16 after remaining in the fourth place of the mini-standings of the best three with 3 points and a goal difference of -3.

“Thank God, a new history for Indonesian football. One place in the top 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup can be secured by the Indonesian national team,” Erick said via an upload on his official Instagram, quoted on Friday (26/1/2024).

The Minister of State Owned Enterprises (BUMN) said this achievement was not independent of the cooperation of all parties, from players, coaches, officials, to the prayers of the entire Indonesian community.

“It was an incredible struggle from players, coaches and officials to get Indonesia to the top 16. And the prayers of the entire Indonesian people that never stop for the national team,” Erick said.

Reaching the top 16 was the first time for the Red and White Reds after four previous entries in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2007, they failed to make it past the group stage.

In addition, this record also adds to the gold engraving of coach Shin Tae-yong after previously being the only coach to lead three national teams, U-20, U-23, and senior, to the final round of the Asian Cup.

Later, in the round of 16 Indonesia has been waiting for a strong Australian team. Indonesia's duel against FIFA's 25th ranked team will be played on Sunday (January 28) at 18:30pm at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar.

“The fight is not over, we give our best to bring #GarudaMendunia! ,” Erick said.

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