Indonesia Misses Out on Amiable Match Against Suriname
The Indonesian national football team has forfeited a valuable opportunity to play against Suriname during the upcoming FIFA Matchday in march. The Surinamese squad was planning a Southeast Asian tour, presenting a prime chance for indonesia to gain international experience.
However, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has opted to cancel the senior team’s schedule for this period, citing the need to prioritize preparations for the U-20 World Cup.
This decision means Indonesia will miss out on a crucial opportunity to test its mettle against a competitive opponent before the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in June.the march international break represents the final FIFA Matchday before the qualifiers, making it a particularly significant period for national teams to fine-tune their strategies adn assess their strengths.
PSSI General Chairman Mochamad Iriawan explained that the decision was made in consultation with head coach Shin Tae-yong,who believes that the March FIFA Matchday would not be conducive to the team’s overall development.
“Shin Tae-yong believes that the FIFA Matchday match in March wouldn’t be effective and efficient,” Iriawan stated. “This is as he is also leading the U-20 national team in preparation for the 2023 U-20 World Cup,which involves a training camp in South Korea.”
The cancellation of the senior team’s match against Suriname highlights the complex scheduling challenges faced by national football associations. Balancing the needs of various age-group teams and international competitions requires careful consideration and strategic planning. While the focus on the U-20 World Cup is understandable, the missed opportunity to play against Suriname could have provided valuable experience for the senior squad as they prepare for the crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Missing the Mark: Does Indonesia’s Focus on Youth Compromise Senior Squad Progress?
Today’s guest is a familiar face too Indonesian football fans,former Bandung FC & Indonesian national team striker,Ponaryo Astaman. Welcome Ponaryo,thanks for joining us.
Ponaryo: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Our doors are open to all opinions on this topic.
As you no, we heard news about Indonesia missing out on a kind match against Suriname during the FIFA Matchday window in March. What are your initial thoughts on Indonesia’s decision to prioritize the Jiu-20 World cup preparation over a friendly against a competitive side like Suriname?
Ponaryo: Well, it’s a tough call. On one hand, it’s great to see PSSI and Coach Shin Tae-yong investing heavily in our youth growth with the U-20 World Cup on the horizon. A strong performance there will be a real boost for the country.
however, letting a match against Suriname slip by is a missed opportunity for our senior team. International exposure, regardless of the opponent, is invaluable. We can’t forget that the Asian Cup Qualifiers are just around the corner, and every chance to test ourselves against strong opposition counts.
Well said, ponaryo. I imagine you see this decision impacting the senior squad’s preparation for the Asian Cup Qualifiers?
Ponaryo: Absolutely. While I understand prioritizing the U-20 squad given the magnitude of hosting the World Cup, the senior team needing to gear up for a crucial qualifying campaign shouldn’t be understated. These lads need that competitive edge, that feeling of pressure on the international stage. You can’t replicate it in training.
Some might argue that focusing on the future and developing young talent should always be prioritized.
Ponaryo: I agree that long-term development is vital. But we shouldn’t lose sight of the present either. we have a duty to showcase our senior national team’s progress, and building momentum for the asian Cup Qualifiers is critically important not just for qualification, but for the whole country’s footballing spirit.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this: Could PSSI have explored choice solutions? Perhaps a smaller training camp for the senior squad simultaneously with the U-20 preparations?
Ponaryo: It’s definitely worth considering. Maybe a scaled-down training camp alongside a few key senior players who don’t require as much dedicated attention could have offered a compromise.
Right,so there are potential avenues for balancing these priorities. What message do you think this decision sends to the senior squad and the fans?
Ponaryo: It sends a mixed message for sure. On the one hand, it shows dedication to youth development, but on the other hand, it might give the impression that our senior team isn’t quite as critically important right now. Fans invest their time and emotion in both the senior and junior squads,and they deserve to see both teams thrive.
We’ll leave it there, Ponaryo. It’s been insightful, and I’m sure your expertise has left our readers with much to ponder.
Ponaryo: Thank you for having me.
What are your thoughts, readers? Is Indonesia right to prioritize the U-20 World Cup, even at the expense of a senior team friendly? let’s discuss this further in the comments!
