Thohir Faces Pressure: Fallout from Indonesia U-23 Final Defeat

garuda Muda’s AFF U-23 Final Heartbreak: Fans Flood PSSI Chair Erick thohir’s Instagram

Jakarta, Indonesia – disappointment rippled through the Indonesian football community following the U-23 national team’s narrow 0-1 defeat to Vietnam in the AFF U-23 Cup final. The highly anticipated match, held at the packed Bung Karno Main Stadium on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, ended in a somber note for the home crowd as a solitary goal from Vietnam’s Nguyễn Công Phương in the 37th minute sealed Indonesia’s fate.

the loss has ignited a wave of reactions online, with many Indonesian football faithful taking to the Instagram account of PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) Chairperson Erick Thohir to voice their frustrations and share their disappointment. The digital space became a focal point for supporters’ emotions, many expressing a shared sense of heartbreak after witnessing the young Garuda squad fall short of championship glory on home soil.

The final match itself was a tense affair, marked by fierce competition between the two Southeast Asian rivals. Despite the fervent support of tens of thousands of spectators,the Indonesian team was unable to find the back of the net,ultimately succumbing to Vietnam’s decisive strike. This outcome has left many fans questioning the team’s performance and lamenting the missed chance to lift the prestigious AFF U-23 Cup.

The sentiment expressed online highlights the deep passion Indonesians have for their national team. While the immediate aftermath is characterized by disappointment, the focus is already shifting towards future progress and the lessons learned from this campaign. The collective experience, though painful, serves as a pivotal moment for reflection and strategic planning within Indonesian football, with the hope that such experiences will forge a stronger, more resilient team for future tournaments.

PSSI Chairperson Erick Thohir is expected to address the team’s performance and the public’s sentiments, offering insights into the path forward for the U-23 national squad and Indonesian football at large. The outpouring of support and critique underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to its football aspirations, signaling a community eager to see their team rebound and achieve greater success on the international stage.

What specific tactical adjustments could Indonesia U-23 have made to better counter japan’s attacking strategies in the final match?

The Immediate Aftermath & Public Reaction

The sting of Indonesia’s U-23 final defeat against Japan at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup continues to reverberate throughout Indonesian football, and the pressure is squarely on Erick Thohir, Chairman of the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia).While the team’s overall performance – securing a historic first-ever Olympic berth for Indonesia – was celebrated, the manner of the 5-0 loss in the final has ignited intense scrutiny. Social media platforms are flooded with criticism, focusing on tactical decisions, player selection, and the overall preparedness of the squad.

Key talking points include:

Disappointment with the Scoreline: The heavy defeat shattered expectations and fueled accusations of underperformance in a crucial match.

Tactical Concerns: Many analysts questioned Shin Tae-yong’s tactical approach, notably the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to effectively counter Japan’s attacking prowess.

Calls for Accountability: Fans and pundits alike are demanding a thorough review of the U-23 program and accountability from those responsible for the team’s preparation.

Thohir’s Position & PSSI Leadership

Erick Thohir’s appointment as PSSI Chairman in February 2023 was met with optimism, largely due to his prosperous track record in business and sports ownership (including Inter Milan). He promised sweeping reforms to revitalize Indonesian football, focusing on grassroots growth, improved league structures, and enhanced national team performance.

However, the U-23 final defeat has presented a significant challenge to his leadership. While thohir has publicly supported Shin Tae-yong, acknowledging the historic Olympic qualification, he’s also emphasized the need for improvement. The pressure stems from several factors:

High Expectations: Thohir inherited a footballing nation desperate for success, and the U-23 team was seen as a key component of that ambition.

Investment & Reform Promises: Significant investment has been made into Indonesian football under Thohir’s leadership,raising expectations for tangible results.

Political Considerations: Football is deeply intertwined with Indonesian politics, and the national team’s performance frequently enough reflects on the government’s image.

Shin Tae-yong’s future & Contractual Status

The future of head coach Shin Tae-yong is now a central point of debate. Despite securing Olympic qualification, the crushing defeat has led to calls for his dismissal. thohir has stated his intention to evaluate the coaching staff’s performance, but a hasty decision could disrupt the team’s momentum ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Key considerations regarding Shin Tae-yong’s position:

1. Contractual Obligations: Shin tae-yong’s contract with PSSI runs until 2026. Terminating the contract would likely involve significant financial penalties.
2. Olympic Preparation: Replacing the coach so close to the Olympics could destabilize the team and hinder their preparation.
3. Long-Term Vision: Thohir must weigh the short-term disappointment against the potential benefits of maintaining continuity and allowing shin Tae-yong to build on the progress made.

The Olympic Challenge & Beyond

Indonesia’s Olympic participation represents a golden prospect to showcase the nation’s footballing potential on a global stage. Though, the U-23 team faces a daunting task in Paris, competing against some of the world’s best young players.

Focus areas for improvement include:

Defensive Solidity: Addressing the defensive vulnerabilities exposed in the AFC U-23 final is paramount.

Attacking Creativity: Developing a more dynamic and creative attacking approach is crucial for scoring goals against stronger opponents.

Physical conditioning: Enhancing the team’s physical conditioning to withstand the demands of high-intensity matches.

Beyond the Olympics,Thohir and the PSSI must address the broader challenges facing Indonesian football,including:

League Professionalization: Improving the quality and competitiveness of the Liga 1.

Grassroots Development: investing in youth academies and grassroots programs to nurture future talent.

infrastructure Development: Upgrading football stadiums and training facilities across the contry.

Case Study: South Korea’s U-23 Success (2020)

looking at South Korea’s successful U-23 campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) offers valuable lessons. Despite facing tough competition, South Korea reached the semi-finals, demonstrating the importance of tactical flexibility, strong team cohesion, and a clear game plan. Their coach, Kim Hak-bum, maintained a consistent approach and fostered a positive team environment, even in the face of adversity. This contrasts with the immediate pressure facing Shin Tae-yong, highlighting the need for patience and strategic support from the PSSI.

Real-World Example: Inter Milan & Thohir’s Management Style

Erick Thohir’s experience as owner and president of Inter Milan provides insight into his management style. During his tenure (2013-2016), he focused on financial stability and long-term sustainability, even during periods of on-field underperformance. He implemented a data-driven approach to player recruitment and emphasized the importance of youth development. This suggests that Thohir may adopt a