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Indonesia aims to be major football power by 2020
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Buoyed by its success at the Asian Cup, Indonesia believes it has what it takes to become a major footballing force in the region by 2020.
Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) president Nurdin Halid hailed the tournament as the turning point of Indonesian football following a meeting here with Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed bin Hammam.
He said that with the country's huge population, an increasing interest among media and fans and the backing of government and commercial partners, Indonesia can become a football power in Asia by 2020.
"I'm disappointed that we could not go through to the knockout round but I'm proud of the players," Nurdin said.
"The post-AFC Asian Cup era is bright for Indonesia football. There is a surge in spectators' attendance in local matches.
"Our vision is to be on a par with Asia's best in 2020. With the launch of a full professional Indonesian Super League in March 2008, I see a bright future for Indonesian football."
The co-hosts of the Asian Cup in July were widely expected to be out of their depth despite home advantage, but they shocked everyone by winning their opening game in what was regarded as the tournament's group of death.
That 2-1 victory over Bahrain was followed by a cruel last gasp defeat to Saudi Arabia and a narrow 1-0 loss to South Korea, two of the favourites to take home the title.
Their games drew 90,000-strong crowds to the heaving Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
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