Former Indonesian player Benny Hera praised Spanish coach Hector Soto for enhancing the performance of the Indonesian futsal team, leading them to the finals of the 2026 Asian Cup, an unprecedented achievement in the history of futsal in Indonesia. Hera made these remarks in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, emphasizing that Soto has significantly contributed to the team's development.
Hera pointed out that having a personality like Soto on the team represents a great opportunity, as the Spanish coach has prior experience working with Indonesian teams, which has helped him understand the local culture and the players' needs. Soto has demonstrated the ability to guide the team towards achieving positive results, including victories over global teams such as Japan on their way to the finals.
Event Details
During the tournament, the Indonesian team showcased a strong performance, reaching the final after a series of impressive victories. Despite losing to Iraq in the final, the match was one of the best finals in the tournament's history, ending with a one-goal difference after extra time.
Hera, who contributed to Indonesia's victory in the AFF Futsal Championship in 2010, affirmed that Soto's achievements deserve recognition, noting that building a strong futsal team is not an easy task, especially given the challenges facing the sport in the country.
Background & Context
The history of futsal in Indonesia spans several decades, with the sport witnessing significant development in recent years. However, there have been considerable challenges related to resources and training. Soto took over the national team in August 2024, and since then, the team has achieved several milestones, including winning the 2024 ASEAN Futsal Championship.
Before joining the national team, Soto led Bintang Timur Surabaya to win the Pro Futsal League title twice, reflecting his ability to build competitive teams. He also contributed to the club's title in the 2022 Asian Club Championship.
Impact & Consequences
Soto's achievements with the Indonesian national team are a significant step towards enhancing the status of futsal in the country. Reaching the finals of the Asian Cup opens new horizons for the sport and increases the chances of attracting young talent. Additionally, the support provided by the Indonesian Futsal Federation is a crucial factor in achieving these successes, as the federation aims to develop the game through new strategies and collaboration with other countries.
Furthermore, the launch of Pro Futsal League 2 in April 2026 will provide an additional platform for local talents, enhancing opportunities for local players and coaches to develop their skills.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's futsal experience serves as a model for the Arab region, where Arab countries can benefit from successful experiences in developing team sports. Strengthening cooperation among countries in the field of sports can contribute to raising the level of athletic performance in the region.
In conclusion, it can be said that coach Hector Soto's efforts have placed Indonesia on the global futsal map, reflecting the importance of investing in sports and developing young talents.