The Indonesian National Team will play twice on FIFA Matchday March 2

NOBARTV NEWS – Just like the last FIFA Matchday in 2022, in March 2023, Indonesian National team scheduled to play twice in one FIFA Matchday period.

As is known, March 2023 will be the first international event for all countries in the world. Likewise with the Indonesian National Team. For the Indonesian National Team, AFF Cup 2022 will be his last international match. But unfortunately, the AFF Cup is not categorized as an official FIFA event.

At yesterday's AFF Cup event, two Indonesian national team players who were actually allowed to defend the Garuda squad were forced to stay at their clubs. These are Elkan Baggott and Sandy Walsh. The defender duo belonging to Gillingham FC (now Cheltenham Town) and KV Mechelen were not allowed by their clubs to represent their country because of the status of the AFF Cup which was not included in the official FIFA calendar.

However, on FIFA Matchday next March, all clubs are required to hand over their players. FIFA Matchday status is the same as the Asian Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, European Cup, even the World Cup.

Thus, it is very likely that the Indonesian National Team will be strengthened by all its core players at this event. From local players to overseas players to all naturalized players. Whether it's Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, or the last name, Shayne Pattynama, who has just officially become an Indonesian citizen.

Interestingly, on FIFA Matchday next March, the Indonesian National Team is planning to do two friendly match. Likewise with the last FIFA Matchday in 2022 - where Marc Klok et al met the Curacao National Team twice in one FIFA Matchday period.

In the first match, they successfully beat Curacao 2-1. And in the second period, Dimas Drajad et al again beat the guests 3-2.

The FIFA Matchday period next March will be scheduled from the 20th to the 28th of that month. Regarding who will be the opponent of the Indonesian National Team, PSSI through Technical Director Indra Sjafri said that the opponent is not much different from the Curacao National Team. Thus, it is certain that the Garuda squad's opponents will be a team ranked in the top 100 in the world.

“The opponent is the result of my discussions with coach Shin Tae-yong. "It won't be much different from a team like Curacao," said Indra Sjafri.

Apart from that, his party (PSSI) is also trying to ensure that this match (FIFA Matchday March 2023) can be held domestically. However, it does not rule out the possibility that the Garuda squad will accept the offer to play at the opponent's home ground.

"We are trying to hold it in Indonesia because we also want to provide entertainment (to the public). "However, it is possible that if an opponent invites us to play abroad," concluded the former Indonesian U-19 National Team coach.