Emil Audero Deemed Worthy of Locking Down Indonesia's Goal at the 2027 Asian Cup
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- Emil Audero menjadi pahlawan kemenangan Timnas Indonesia atas Thailand di final FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 melalui penyelamatan penalti krusial.
- Mantan kiper nasional Hermansyah menilai Audero memiliki ketenangan dan refleks lebih baik dibanding Maarten Paes untuk laga besar.
- Dengan Piala Asia 2027 tinggal tiga bulan lagi, pelatih John Herdman dihadapkan pada pilihan strategis penjaga gawang utama.
Goalkeeper Emil Audero drew attention after his heroic performance led Indonesia to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title. The dramatic finish came in the penalty shootout against Thailand, where Audero denied Nattapong Sayriya's attempt, securing a 4-2 win after the score was level at 2-2 through extra time.
This victory is more than just a regional trophy. For Indonesia, the title is an important stepping stone toward the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027. Only three months remain for John Herdman's squad to finalize preparations, and the first-choice goalkeeper position is one of the main focuses.
Former Indonesia national team goalkeeper from the 1980s, Hermansyah, believes Audero deserves to fill that position. According to him, although Audero did not record a clean sheet in two appearances, he showed superior quality compared to Maarten Paes, especially in terms of composure under the pressure of crucial matches.
"In two appearances, Emil Audero indeed did not record a clean sheet. But, overall, I think he still has an edge over Maarten Paes. Especially his composure in important matches. He deserves to be the first choice at the Asian Cup later," said Hermansyah.
Hermansyah also appreciated coach John Herdman's decision to give both goalkeepers playing time in this tournament. According to him, the rotation allowed an objective evaluation of each goalkeeper's quality. "If Emil Audero is not injured, I think he will be the first choice. But, in this FIFA ASEAN Cup, John Herdman was quite wise. He gave turns to Maarten Paes and Emil Audero. This is very good for seeing the quality of both," he added.
Furthermore, Hermansyah highlighted the psychological aspect Audero possesses. The goalkeeper born in Mataram, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is considered to have high confidence thanks to his experience playing in La Liga and Serie A. "I see Emil Audero has high confidence. This cannot be separated from his career in La Liga and Serie A. I have experienced that psychological situation. As a national team goalkeeper, I felt more confident when facing non-national team players," he explained.
Technically, Hermansyah assessed Audero's ability to read the direction of the ball and his reflexes as top level. In the penalty shootout, he said Audero seemed to control the goal. "Actually in that penalty shootout, the taker's burden is heavier than the goalkeeper's because he faces the goal. But Emil Audero seemed to be the ruler of the goal. He knew where the ball would be directed. His reflex movements were also good," he said.
The psywar tactic Audero used by jumping around on the goal line before the penalty kicks also drew attention. Hermansyah viewed it as a way to disrupt the concentration of the Thai takers. "That is Emil Audero's way of disrupting the concentration of the Thai players. There are many ways to wage psywar. There are goalkeepers like Emil Audero, and there are those who stay still to read the direction of the ball. It just depends on habit," he concluded.
With an impressive performance in the regional tournament, Audero is now a strong candidate to guard Indonesia's goal on the Asian stage. However, the final decision remains in John Herdman's hands. Will Audero once again become a solid wall at the 2027 Asian Cup, or will Maarten Paes seize the position? The three months ahead will be decisive.
