REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir will strive for Eliano Reijnders and Mees Hilgers to defend the Indonesian national team next month. Indonesia will face Bahrain and China for the third and fourth matches of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifier on October 10 and 15, 2024.

This was stated by Erick when asked about the evaluation of the game after the match of the Indonesian national team against Australia at the Utama Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/9/2024).

According to Erick, the presence of the two forwards can make the Garuda squad's defense and counterattack even better.

“We defend a lot, the attack is not at its maximum, maybe later with the need for training and structuring a player like Eliano maybe the turnaround can be even better,” Erick said. “If Mees Hilgers I think our defense has increased again, so yes we try to improve every month.”

Erick said the naturalization process of the two players had reached its final stages. “Mr. Menpora has signed, Mensesneg has signed, Mr. President will sign tomorrow, the process will remain in Parliament so that on October 15 they can strengthen Indonesia for matches abroad in Bahrain and in China,” Erick said.

Garuda's squad managed to hold FIFA's 24th-ranked Australia to a draw, well above 131st-placed Indonesia.

Despite the pressure from Australia, the defensive line commanded by Jay Idzes was able to withstand the onslaught so that the 0-0 score remained until the end of the game.

The Indonesian national team is currently in the top four of Group C. While Saudi Arabia moved up to the second spot in provisional Group C after conquering China 2-1 at Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium in Dalian on Tuesday.

The top of the standings is occupied by Japan with six out of two matches. While third place is populated Bahrain with a value of three.

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