Mathew Baker becomes Indonesia's youngest debutant in Oman win
The Melbourne City defender came on in the 80th minute at GBK and made his senior debut at 17 years and 23 days.
Mathew Baker made history as the youngest debutant for the Indonesia national team as Garuda beat Oman 3-0 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Friday. The Melbourne City player came on in the 80th minute for captain Rizky Ridho and played his first senior match at 17 years and 23 days.
Coach John Herdman said Baker deserved the chance and called the moment a proud one. Herdman said senior national team experience is important to accelerate the development of promising young players. He cited Kevin Diks, who began playing professionally at 17 and now plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach. Herdman also referred to Jonathan David and Liam Millar, whom he gave senior Canada debuts at 18.
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Earlier in this story
- 32 hours agoIndonesia rout Oman 3-0 at GBK, ends 38-year wait
- 38 hours agoMathew Baker becomes Indonesia's youngest debutant in Oman winreading now