TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - General Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir hopes President Prabowo Subianto will watch the match between Indonesia and China at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
When met during his activities in Jakarta on Wednesday, Erick mentioned that the President's presence at SUGBK during the Garuda team's match against Bahrain brought luck, resulting in Indonesia's 1-0 victory.
"I hope Beliau (the President) will attend because he brought luck to the last match. We need all the prayers and luck we can get," Erick responded to reporters' questions.
Nevertheless, Erick understands the President's busy schedule, so he cannot confirm his attendance at SUGBK. "Certainly, with his busy schedule, it is up to him," said Erick.
Later, Erick mentioned that for the Garuda team and the Chinese national team match, the Chinese government had sent its representatives to SUGBK to watch the game in person. Erick has also reported the presence of Chinese government representatives to President Prabowo.
According to Erick, football has now become the nation's pride and a tool for the struggle. "Indeed, football has become a source of national pride. It is also part of the struggle and the hoisting of the flag, representing national pride," continued Erick.
The 2026 World Cup qualification match in Group C Asia Zone between Indonesia and China is scheduled to take place on Thursday night at 8:45 p.m. local time at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.
According to Erick, the Garuda team must win if they want to reach the playoff round. "Yes, we need to win tomorrow if we want to reach third and fourth place in the playoff round ranking," said Erick.
Indonesia's position in the current standings is better than that of China. Indonesia is in fourth place with 9 points, while China is in sixth place with 6 points.
Nevertheless, on a separate occasion, Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert mentioned that China would put up a fight when playing against the home team.
"The Chinese national team is a high-quality team that plays well. In my opinion, they are tactical and energetic. They are able to maximize narrow spaces and press well," said Kluivert during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Therefore, Kluivert mentioned that the Garuda team must be cautious. "We need to focus one hundred percent on the game. Don't take it lightly because everyone knows China is a good team," said the Dutch coach.
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