Minister lauds football teams Asian Cup round of 16 qualification

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo has lauded the national football team for making history by qualifying for the round of 16 of the Asian Cup for the first time since 2007.

"Thank God. This is a milestone after the 2007 Asian Cup. We finally qualified (for the round of 16) after 17 years. This is an extraordinary achievement because we are finally qualified for the top 16," Ariotedjo said in an official statement issued here on Friday.

He added that he is committed to supporting all sports, not only football, so that Indonesia can make a mark internationally.

"Not only football, we support all sports so they can bring the Red and White (flag) even more proud," he added.

Ariotedjo then praised the athletes, the coach, and all stakeholders in the national football team, including the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), which is striving to transform football management in Indonesia.

He said that the issue of bonuses for players was under the purview of the PSSI considering that the Asian Cup is a single event. However, the government will certainly express its appreciation to athletes who have succeeded in achieving the target.

"Yes, for sure, we remain consistent and focused on supporting the programs and budget for the transformation of football," he added.

In the group stage qualification round of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, Indonesia was in Group D with Iraq, Vietnam, and Japan. Indonesia ranked third in the final standings in Group D, winning against Vietnam.

Based on the result, Indonesia was one of the four best-performing third-placed teams. The four best third-place finishers qualified for the round of 16 alongside the group winners and runners-up. In the round of 16, Indonesia will face Australia on Sunday (January 28, 2024).

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