Seven Naturalized Players Have the Potential to Appear Against Vietnam

KOMPAS.com – Coach Shin Tae-yong called up 28 players for the Indonesian National Team in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, Group F, Asia Zone.

Of the players called up, 11 of them were naturalized players or hereditary players. This number is the highest record ever. At the 2023 Asian Cup Final Round, the coach from South Korea brought 8 naturalized players.

However, now only 7 players are prepared to face Vietnam which will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (21/3/2024) tonight.

Because two players Jordi Amat (Johor Darul Takzim Malaysia) and Elkan Baggott (Bristol Rovers England) were dropped due to injuries.

Then Thom Haye (SC Heerenveen Netherlands) and Ragnar Oratmangoen (Fortuna Sittard Netherlands) were not able to play.

Both of them had to change federations first from KNVB (Netherland) to PSSI in order to strengthen the Garuda squad.

The seven players include Sandy Walsh (KV Mechelen Belgium), Justin Hubner (Wolverhampton Wanderers England), Nathan Thoe-A-On (SC Heerenveen Netherlands) and Jay Idzes (Venezia FC Italy).

Then there are Marc Klok (Persib Bandung Indonesia), Ivar Jenner (Jong Utrecht Netherlands) and Rafael Struick (ADO Den Haag Netherlands).

On the other hand, the presence of naturalized players or hereditary players also creates drama.

Some time ago, Vietnam defender Do Duy Manh quipped, saying he was confused about whether he was facing the Indonesian National Team or the Dutch National Team.

According to him, there are too many players of Dutch-Indonesian descent in the Indonesian national team.

“Indonesia has always been a team that is not easy to play against with its fierce and aggressive playing style. Now there are groups who have returned to Indonesia en masse. Sometimes we tease each other because we don’t know whether we will play against the Indonesian or Dutch team,” he said.

However, he was removed from the Vietnam National Team list. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) said the Hanoi Club defender was experiencing thigh problems due to his intense schedule with his club in the Vietnam League.

Then he specifically communicated with coach Philippe Troussier to withdraw, worried about getting a more serious injury if he pushed himself. Then the request was granted.

Also read: Prediction of the Indonesian vs Vietnam National Team Player Lineup

Responding to this, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir was indifferent to Do Duy Manh’s teasing. He actually joked back by saying that the Vietnamese players were amazed by the rapid development of the Garuda Team.

“Maybe they are confused that Indonesia under my leadership is getting better,” said the man who is also Minister of BUMN.

The number one person in PSSI continued, in the past Indonesia was also confused about why Vietnam was able to become a team to be reckoned with in Asia. Now it is Indonesia’s turn to make a breakthrough.

“Similarly, when we also looked at Vietnam, maybe 5-6 years ago we were confused as to why they were good,” said Erick Thohir.

“Our people have been confused, they are really good, why can’t they also be confused when they see us, that’s the way it is,” he concluded.

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2024-03-21 07:00:00
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