Opportunities for Thom and Ragnar to strengthen the national team to face Vietnam are closed

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Indonesian national team manager Sumardji revealed that the opportunity for two diaspora players Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen to play against Vietnam in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match, Thursday (21/3/2024), was closed.

Because registration for the squad for the 2026 World Cup Qualification matches has been closed since March 13. So the opportunity for Thom and Ragnar, who just received Indonesian citizen status on Monday (18/3/2024), is closed to make their debut with the Red and White team.

“If you look at the closing of registration on the 13th, meanwhile, if the oath is taken this Monday night, maybe friends will be able to interpret it for themselves, yes,” said Sumardji when met by journalists after the national team's first training at the Madya Stadium, Jakarta, Monday evening WIB.

Thom and Ragnar had problems taking the citizenship oath because there were documents that had not been signed by the House of Representatives (DPR). Indonesia will host Vietnam in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, next Thursday.

Regarding the match being held at home, Sumardji said that the target of three full points was a fixed price for Shin Tae-yong's team to achieve.

“This is a home match, Indonesia versus Vietnam, of course we all want Indonesia to get full points. So what we are giving is more motivation to the players and in accordance with the general chairman's instructions,” said Sumardji.