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| The opinion of Yunan Syaifullah, soccer observer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). (Photo: Special) |
Indonesia's victory over Thailand in the football SEA Games 2023 final round was greeted with euphoria by the people. Moreover, this achievement is a thirst quencher for Indonesian football, which last won gold 32 years ago. Many people think that success must be connected to the mentality and collectivity of the players.
A soccer observer from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Yunan Syaifullah, conveyed the same thing. According to him, the mentality Garuda team deserves to be given a thumbs up. Even though the victory in sight was a bit shattered due to Thailand's last-minute goal, they continued to fight until they secured victory in extra time with a score of 5-2.
According to him, the final is not just a game about football but also about pride. Those who can be consistent and consequent will get the best results. The determination to victory also often occurs in the crucial minutes. Through goals in the first and last 15 minutes. This is evidenced by the number of goals scored in those minutes.
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As for the players who had been called up to the senior national team, Yunan said that it was an advantage. But the main factor that determines victory is the collectivity of the players. The national team also does not depend on just one or two players, such as Marselino or Witan.
"Look at how Haykal, Taufany and Ananda Raehan play. They don't come from big teams or starters at their clubs. But they have the calmness and cooperation on the pitch. Their combination with Marselino, Sananta, or even Rizky Ridho deserves praise," said the author of the Football Philosophy Book.
Yunan, his nickname, also considered that the growth of Indonesian football in the last three years was too fast. It is beyond the expectations of other countries, especially regarding technology, how to play, food, and others. "In recent years, Vietnam and Thailand were often considered the strongest in Southeast Asia. But unfortunately, now their growth has slowed down, and I would even say stagnated. Instead, Timor Leste and Cambodia are overgrowing," he added.
However, Yunan considered that this growth was only somewhat due to specific figures such as Shin Tae Yong (STY) or Indra Syafri. But with the presence of STY, football management has gradually changed. If in the past, the mindset of Indonesian football was the result, but now it has shifted to the understanding that football is a process. A long process starts from the basics, such as nutrition, food, warm-up, how to play, techniques, and others.
The football observer, a UMM lecturer, discussed the potential of missing players when returning to the club. Players who play well in the national team are expected to do well in their respective clubs. But due to lack of experience, they were eventually overtaken by other senior players.
Especially clubs in League 1 Indonesia is pragmatic, focusing only on winning. According to Yunan, many of the club's strategic positions are filled by foreign players, suppressing the potential of local players to shine. Whereas it should be, the club gives portions to young players so that they can develop and produce quality players for the national team.
"Let's see, there are many striker positions filled by foreign players. Good midfielders and wingers are also rare for us to see in the League 1. Maybe, the only position that is still safe for local players at this time is goalkeeper. This is proven by the large stock of our goalkeepers in various age categories and senior teams," he ended. (put/wil)
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