SEA Games: The U-22 National Team is Ready to Fight Anyone in the Semifinals

– The coach of the Indonesian U-22 national team, Indra Sjafri, emphasized that his team is ready to face any team if they qualify for the final. Indonesia, said Indra, would not choose an opponent in the last four.

Indonesia has a great opportunity to qualify for the semifinals of the SEA Games men’s soccer branch after picking up two wins against the Philippines and Myanmar. With a collection of six points, Rizky Ridho and his friends are now at the top of the standings.

The U-22 national team now has two matches remaining in the preliminary round. The Red and White Team will meet Timor Leste on Sunday (7/5) and face the host Cambodia, Wednesday (10/5), in the final elimination match.

Even though he has the upper hand, Indra emphasized that Indonesia will not choose an opponent in the semifinals later. “Right now we are focusing on match by match. We don’t really think about who will qualify. If I mention the name it means I pray for the team that will qualify later,” said Indra Sjafri during a press conference after defeating Myanmar, Thursday (4/5/2023) .

The former Bali United coach invited the team in Group B to compete in aiming for two tickets to the semifinals of the SEA Games football branch. The heavy group is seen as a group because it contains strong teams such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

The defending champions of the SEA Games, Vietnam are still at the top of the standings with six points from two matches. While in the second and third positions are Malaysia and Thailand.

“Go ahead and let them fight in Group B and whoever will be our opponent, we are ready to beat,” said Indra Sjafri.

Indra Sjafri, emphasized that he would continue to rotate even though his troops appeared good by crushing Myanmar, 5-0, Thursday (5/5/2023).

According to the coach from West Sumatra, rotation will continue to be carried out to find the composition of the 11 best core players who will be installed when the Indonesian national team passes to the semifinals and even to the final of the SEA Games football branch.

“Rotation to find a dream team. That’s why we will continue to do it. Periodization will peak in the semifinals and finals,” added the former Bali United coach.

Indonesia paved the way to the semifinals after winning 5-0 over Myanmar in their second match in Group A. Indonesia’s goals were scored by Marselino Ferdinan, Ramadhan Sananta (2 goals), Fajar Fathur Rahman and Titan Agung.

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