February 11, 2026 | 03:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head coach of the Indonesian national futsal team, Hector Souto, admits he still regrets his team's defeat to Iran in the final of the 2026 Asian Futsal Cup, held at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta last Saturday. "It still feels painful," wrote Souto as he opened his statement in a post on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
In the final match, Indonesia was initially stunned by an early goal from Iran. However, Indonesia fought back and overturned the deficit to lead 3-1, before Iran leveled the score at 3-3. During regulation time, Indonesia reclaimed the lead at 4-3, but Iran managed to equalize at 4-4, forcing the match into extra time.
In extra time, Indonesia successfully scored to take a 5-4 lead just two minutes before the final whistle. However, Iran equalized once more to make it 5-5 with only one minute remaining. The championship was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, where Indonesia had to concede to Iran's superiority with a score of 4-5.
Souto mentioned that the failure to maintain the lead in such a crucial match still lingers, even as he acknowledged his team's extraordinary achievements throughout the tournament. "I still can't believe how far we've come with such strength, but I also can't forgive myself for letting a final that was within our grasp slip away," said the Spanish coach.
He added that the tremendous appreciation from the Indonesian public has not entirely erased the feeling that his team should have lifted the championship trophy. "Although many have congratulated us, in my mind I still feel that we should have been able to do it. That Indonesia deserved it," Souto said.
The defeat to Iran marked the conclusion of Indonesia's historic journey in the 2026 Asia Futsal Cup. This runner-up finish stands as Indonesia's best achievement in the tournament since making their debut in 2002.
Souto emphasized that this achievement will serve as a foundation to continue elevating the national futsal level, with the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2028 Futsal World Cup. "We want to bring happiness to the entire nation and prove that futsal is the sport of the future when executed with vision, planning, and courage; we have seen it, and we have proven it," said the 44-year-old coach born in Chantada, Spain.
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