Indonesia’s head coach, Yanuar Dhuma Ardiyanto, expressed confidence that the target can be achieved. In their opening match, Indonesia, which is grouped in Group A, will face Australia before taking on Japan the following day.
“Clearly, Australian players have significant experience in cerebral palsy football and often compete at higher levels. However, we have prepared strategies to anticipate their style of play, especially in dealing with their tall players,” Ardiyanto said in a written statement here on Friday.
According to him, Indonesia has been preparing since August and has been undergoing centralized training in Solo since early October.
He emphasized that Indonesia does not want to merely participate, but instead aims for a top-four finish.
Australia, meanwhile, is not underestimating Indonesia despite being higher in the world rankings.
Australia’s head coach, Kai Lammert, has analyzed Indonesia’s performance through several video recordings from the ASEAN Para Games.
“I have great respect for Indonesia, and let’s see the final result of this match,” Lammert said.
Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF), Ashley Hammond, stated that Indonesia is very well-prepared as host.
Venues such as Sriwedari Stadium and UNS Stadium have met the required standards.
“Preparations in Indonesia are excellent, and we are optimistic that the event will run smoothly,” Hammond said.
The tournament is being participated in by Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Iran is the top seed as the defending champion, while Australia is the second seed, ranked 12th in the world.
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Translator: Ramdan, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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