Indonesian U-17 national team coach Nova Arianto said his team's performance was still far from expectations after suffering a crushing 0-7 defeat to China in a friendly match at the Indomilk Arena, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Sunday.
China's big win in this match was thanks to two goals from Zhao Songyuan and two goals from Shuai Weihao, as well as one goal each from Wang Heyi, Zhang Bolin, and Ailikamu Yilihong.
"What's certain is that, first of all, our expectations were far from what we expected. So, our preparations for the match, and throughout the entire match, were far from what we expected," Nova said at a post-match press conference at Indomilk Arena on Sunday.
Although it is still far from expectations, Nova understands it because the match against China is the first international match for the new U-17 national team squad, which only has Mierza Firjatullah as an alumnus of the 2025 U-17 World Cup.
"And we know China was also a very good team in today's match. And I think the players gave their all today. And that's what I want to see from the players so they can learn from today's match," said Nova.
This team has often played together because they are part of the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) U-18 competition this season, under the name Garuda United U-18.
