Erick Thohir Praises Indonesia's Fighting Spirit After Historic FIFA ASEAN Cup Triumph - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chair of PSSI (the Football Association of Indonesia), Erick Thohir, praised the efforts of the Indonesian national team players after they won the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
Indonesia claimed the title in the first edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup by defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Monday, following a 2-2 draw that persisted through extra time.
"We must acknowledge that Thailand is a very good team; I appreciate the players' fighting spirit right up to the final second," Erick told reporters at SUGBK on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Indonesia took the lead in the 84th minute via a Dean James free-kick that was deflected by a Thai player. The goal came three minutes after Nicholas Mickelson received his second yellow card and was sent off.
Unfortunately, the Garuda Squad's lead was short-lived. They conceded a goal against the 10-man Thai side when the "War Elephants" equalized three minutes later through Iklas Sanron, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
During extra time, a goal by Peeradol Chamratsamee in the 111th minute briefly silenced the SUGBK crowd. However, four minutes later, Elkan Baggott scored to save the hosts, who went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 after goalkeeper Emil Audero saved a spot-kick from Nattapong Sayriya.
"These were two difficult games—the 9-2 match [against Bangladesh] wasn't easy, and today's 2-2 draw wasn't easy either. This is a valuable lesson for all the players and coaches: if we truly want to qualify for the World Cup (2030)..." Erick said.
"We must prepare seriously, and the challenges are immense; but we are Indonesians—we are not a nation of losers—and we must continue to elevate our football," he added. Erick stated that he would evaluate the national team's performance in preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.
"Yes, there are many things—the coach and I will look at them—there are many specific weaknesses we likely need to address in preparation for the Asian Cup," he said.
