REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SOLO -- Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that Indonesia has a chance to host the World Cup following the good performance of the U-23 national team in the 2024 U23 Asian Cup.
“There is a direction there. Pak Ketum PSSI (Erick Thohir) has also been in Qatar, there have been talks there,” Indonesia's vice president-elect said in Solo, Central Java, on Tuesday.
But Gibran asked the media to convey this directly to Erick Thohir, who is also the SOE minister. “Again a lot of the football ecosystem, the stadium facilities, whatever it is, we are already very capable. Just wait for the events. I hope that the international ball events will be even better in the future,” Gibran said.
Regarding the achievements of the Indonesian football team, Gibran stated that Garuda now cannot be underestimated by any opponent.
'We can't be underestimated. Moreover, his track record the last few weeks has been pretty good. It remains to be carried on,” Gibran said.
He also judged the composition of the Indonesia U-23 squad in the 2024 U3 Asia Cup to be good.
“The match between Indonesia and Korea was not an easy match. But with the composition of the players that exist now, we cannot be underestimated,” he said.
Gibran admitted that he always gets the latest information from PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir regarding the development of the U-23 National Team.
“Including the players, the preparation. I guess for the composition that is now already very good. It's staying support from residents, prayers from football lovers,” Gibran concluded.