الاتحاد الإندونيسي لكرة القدمMember Associations

Marc Klok, Persija Jakarta’s Dutch-Indonesian midfielder, has walked the same path, only in reverse, and is well-positioned to analyse the pressures and possibilities Indonesia’s youngsters will soon grow accustomed to.

In a wide-ranging interview, Klok reveals the benefits of breaking through one’s comfort zone, Bagus Kahfi’s chances of thriving in his former home of Utrecht and his own triumphs and struggles as a footballer navigating a lost year, but with an eye on a bright future

To take advantage of the potential grassroots football population across the country, PSSI has established a comprehensive development strategy which focuses on four areas: partnership, players programme, grassroots competitions and coach education.

It was in their last group match against Philippines during the 2018 AFF Women's Championship. Hosts Indonesia entered the contest having drawn their opener 0-0 and suffered two heavy defeats, leaving it as their last chance to salvage some pride in front of their home supporters.

Vote in the poll at the foot of the article to choose your favourite all-time Indonesian legend

You could travel the length and breadth of the Earth but struggle to find a place more impassioned by football than the Southeast Asian country, where the finest players are idolised and expectation remains heaped on the national team.

The Garuda qualified automatically for the 1938 FIFA World Cup in France, but the team had to wait almost six decades until they advanced to another major tournament, when they reached the 1996 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

While the side of the late 30s deserve their place in history, we look a little closer to modern times to highlight five players who have helped shape the beautiful game in a football-mad nation.

Makassar won 2-1 on aggregate, having lost the first leg after Ryuji Utomo had scored the winner for Persija two weeks ago.

Indonesia deserved the late winner, having dominated the match from the first blow of the whistle.

Their domination, however, failed to materialise into goals thanks to some steely Mauritius defending and great goalkeeping by Jean-Louis Kevin.

However, Indonesia's persistence finally paid when Evan swept home a rebound following an effort by substitute Dedik Setiawan.

The win is a morale booster for Indonesia ahead of the AFF Cup in November, where they are in Group B with Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and Timor Leste.

The favourites

The Chaba Kaew flew to Palembang, Indonesia on Thursday boasting a strong squad which includes AFC Women's Asian Cup stars Kanjana Sung-Ngoen and Suchawadee Nildhamrong, as they look to defend their 2015 and 2016 ASEAN titles.

Head coach Nuengrutai, whose return to the national top job has seen Thailand qualify for a second successive FIFA Women's World Cup, acknowledged her side are among the favourites, but warned against complacency.

Ilham Udin Armaiyn gave the home fans early cheer when he found the back of the net in the 29th minute. 

Indonesia, however, were not to go into the break in the lead as Albert Gudmundsson equalised for FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia qualifiers Iceland, striking home just before half time.

Fourteen minutes into the second half,  Arnor Smarason gave Iceland the lead and it was the Gudmundsson show after that as the  PSV Eindhoven winger completed his hat-trick. 

His second of the night came in the 66th and six minutes later, he ensured Iceland ended their Indonesian tour with a second win.

They had beaten an Indonesia Selection 6-0 on Thursday as Heimir Hallgrimsson's men continue their Road to Russia preparations.

They are drawn in Group D at the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia alongside former champions Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria. 

Photo: AFP

Hallgrimsson had a glimpse of what to expect in Thursday's friendly against an Indonesia Selection.

Although Iceland won 6-0, Hallgrimsson was impressed by the commitment and tenacity of the Indonesia Selection players and expects a much tougher test when his team face the national side.

Sunday's match will be live streamed at https://mycujoo.tv/pssi-tv?id=12325

"I liked the passion of the Indonesia Selection players who never gave up despite us dominating.

"They also impressed me with their skills and I am certainly expecting a tougher test when we play the Indonesia national team," said Hallgrimsson.

In fact, he is hoping Indonesia press his team hard as Iceland prepare for their FIFA World Cup 2018 adventure in Russia.

Hallgrimsson's team are drawn in Group D at the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia alongside former champions Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria.