Indonesia U-17 Thrashed by Brazil U-17: Nova Arianto, Erick Thohir and Players Comment

The Indonesia U-17 squad continues to fight for their hopes of advancing to the 2025 U-17 World Cup round of 32 despite not yet securing any points from two matches in Group H. After losing 1-3 to Zambia and 0-4 to Brazil at Aspire Academy, Doha, the Garuda Muda now face their final match against Honduras on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Coach Nova Arianto believes the loss to Brazil was an important lesson for his team, particularly regarding the fundamental weaknesses in the players' game.

"In my opinion, that is indeed one of the weaknesses in terms of individual players, and that must be a major note for us. Perhaps not only in the U17 national team, but also in U20 and U23. I see it as one of our players' weaknesses," said Nova.

Nova emphasized that improving individual ability is the main focus so Indonesia can compete at the Asian and world levels.

"That really needs to be our concern going forward. How do we want to compete in the world, in Asia? Well, we must be better prepared in terms of individual skills," he stated.

Although the chance of advancing is slim, Nova asked his charges to remain focused on securing a win in the final match.

"Honestly, I told the players, we must fight for that one game. Regardless of whether we win, whether we qualify or not – I don't care about that – but I want us to get three points tomorrow," he asserted.

Brazil's Strength Still Far Above Indonesia

PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) Chairman Erick Thohir acknowledged that Brazil's strength is still far above Indonesia's, but still gave appreciation for the team's effort.

"Well, Brazil is indeed far above us, and previously we had chances against Zambia. We conceded three goals in seven minutes. In the second half we played better, had many chances but didn't score," said Erick in Doha.

He assessed that the difference in playing experience was a major differentiating factor.

"In Brazil, a single player might play 70 games (per year), but ours don't yet. So we need to make a breakthrough, it seems," he added.

Nevertheless, Erick remains proud of the Indonesian coach, players, and supporters who showed sporting behavior throughout the tournament.

"I just received praise from friends in Qatar. Indonesian fans are very orderly, very supportive. These are the examples we see, we get appreciation," he said.

Looking ahead to the match against Honduras, Erick remains optimistic the national team can achieve a positive result.

"It means we are on par with Honduras, so there's an opportunity. We just hope regarding the injuries... hopefully they're not too severe," he hoped.

Learned a Lot from the Match Against Brazil

From the player's perspective, striker Fadly Alberto Hengga admitted learning a lot from the match against Brazil.

"What we can take from it is Brazil's resistance, their pressing was very intense, but we didn't deviate from what we practiced before facing Brazil," said Alberto.

Alberto added that all the players continue to support each other.

"From the first half until the end, we kept strengthening each other within the team. Even if someone made a mistake, we kept helping so they wouldn't feel guilty," he said.

He is optimistic the team still has a chance to advance.

"Earlier the coach said nothing is impossible, right? Against Brazil we only lost 0-4, while Honduras lost 0-7. Well, that becomes our challenge for tomorrow's final against Honduras, we can still advance," he hoped.

With the spirit to improve performance and secure the final three points, Indonesia U-17 is ready to make the match against Honduras a moment of resurgence at the 2025 U-17 World Cup. (Antara)