TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian national team goalkeeper, Emil Audero, wore an authentic bracelet from Lombok. He explained that he wears it to always be connected to his hometown.
He added that it's also a way to show his love for his birthplace, Mataram, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, and to motivate himself ahead of his debut with the Indonesian national team against China in the World Cup 2026 Qualification round three match at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 8:45 p.m. WIB.
Speaking to journalists during the first training session of the national team at the Madya Senayan Stadium on Monday, June 2, 2025, Emil revealed the origin of the bracelet he was wearing. "Yes, it's from Lombok, my island. I truly feel the connection between me and Indonesia. Of course, I was born here," he said.
Emil has a great chance to make his debut in the Garuda squad as the main goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, cannot play due to receiving two yellow cards. Paes received his first yellow card in the opening match against Saudi Arabia last September. Subsequently, the FC Dallas goalkeeper received another yellow card in the national team's last match against Bahrain in March.
In his position, Emil will have to compete with Ernando Ari, Nadeo Argawinata, and Reza Arya. Nevertheless, he admitted that he can't wait to make his debut with the Indonesian national team. "I can't wait to represent my country. I hope everything goes well. But, of course, I know that all of you, all the fans and supporters at the stadium, and at home, will support us. So, this is the best thing a player can have and feel," he said.
The match against China will be Emil's second home game after the Bahrain match where he was listed in the squad but did not play and only served as a substitute player.
The Indonesian national team is currently in fourth place in the temporary standings in Group C with nine points, three points ahead of Bahrain and China, which are below them. They are positioned below Japan (20 points), Australia (13 points), and Saudi Arabia (10 points).
The Garuda squad is aiming to finish in the top four in Group C to maintain hopes of qualifying for the final round of the 2026 World Cup through the playoff round. If they finish in third or fourth place, Indonesia will advance to the fourth round of qualifiers.
Editor's Choice: Emil Audero's Story Before His Debut in the Indonesian National Team
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