Garuda Muda’s lack of ability in converting opportunities into goals was also still visible. This has been a problem since the PSSI mini U-20 tournament at the end of February.
By
SYAHNAN RANGKUTI
·4 minutes read
HUMAS PSSI
Indonesian players sang Indonesia Raya ahead of kick off against Iraq in the U-20 2023 Asian Cup group stage at Lokomotive Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Wednesday (1/4/2023) night. Indonesia lost, 0-2, in that match.
TASHKENT, WEDNESDAY – The poor performance and error in the defense led Indonesia to be defeated by Iraq 0-2 in the first match of the U-20 Asian Cup soccer championship at Lokomotive Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday evening (1/3/2023), Western Indonesia Time.
The “Young Garudas” found it difficult to perform at their best, even though they had the upper hand in the number of players in the first half.
The loss narrowed Indonesia's chance to advance in the group. Still, there was a glimmer of hope, especially seeing the Garuda Muda players’ performance against Iraq in the first 20 minutes.
Even with less than optimal preparation ahead of the Asian Cup, Indonesia’s young players could hold their own against the power of Iraq, which has won the U-20 Asian Cup five times.
Indonesia’s coach Shin Tae-yong set up a 4-1-4-1 formation, which he changed to 4-4-2 in the defense. Hokky Caraka and Ronaldo Joybera Kwateh had the most attacks on Iraq's goal, using their speed and maneuvers from the wings. Hokky and Ronaldo even had a golden opportunity for a shot at goal during 15 minutes of the first half.
Besides Hokky and Ronaldo, Indonesia also nearly broke through Iraq’s goalkeeper with a header from defender Kakang Rudianto. Indonesia’s attacks gradually relaxed after the 20th minute, however.
It was then Iraq's turn to dictate the game, piling on the pressure on the Indonesian side. Pressed by Iraq, Indonesia’s defenders played soaring passes but the strategy backfired, because Iraq’s players easily seized control of the ball with their superior play.
Indonesia’s defenders tried to intercept the ball on several occasions as they continued to shadow the Iraq player, who used this pattern to penetrate Indonesia’s penalty box. The defense paid for this strategy when Iraq took the advantage with Hayder Abdulkareem's kick at the 27th minute.
The goal began a mistake by Indonesia captain M. Ferarri in anticipating the movement of the Iraq players. The ball that escaped Ferarri's ambush went to Iraq’s Hayder, who calmly redirected the ball past Indonesia goalkeeper Sumawijaya.
HUMAS PSSI
Indonesian defender, Donny Tri Pamungkas (right) tried to control the ball from the pursuit of Iraqi players in the U-20 2023 Asian Cup group stage at the Lokomotive Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Wednesday (1/4/2023) night.
Garuda Muda’s lack of ability in converting opportunities into goals was also still visible. This has been a problem since the PSSI mini U-20 tournament at the end of February. Indonesia was able to score a 4-0 win only against Fiji, and had difficulty scoring goals against New Zealand and Guatemala.
Before setting off to Uzbekistan, Hokky acknowledged the weakness of Indonesia’s attack. According to him, the departure of assistant coach Dzenan Radoncic, who resigned, had greatly affected the team's sharp focus. Radoncic had often set up the Garuda Muda's final strategy.
The poor result was seen in the match against Iraq. In fact, the statistics showed Indonesia led with 67 percent in possession over Iraq. It also made three shots at goal, but which failed to bear fruit.
Iraq’s red card
Indonesia had not been able to put up maximum resistance, even though Iraq had just 10 players from the 45th minute, as the referee had red-carded Charbeel Awin Shamoon for elbowing an opposing player. Though it had more players, Indonesia could not find the formula to dismantle Iraq’s defense.
On several occasions, Indonesian players were less aggressive and slow in transitioning to an attack. Their delay in advancing the ball allowed Iraq the time to form a defense well in advance. Arkhan Fikri, usually skillful at dribbling, lacked vigor, and Iraq midfielders easily blocked his moves.
Despite having fewer players, Iraq was able to take advantage at the end of the game through Mohammed Jameel Shnaa, the goal showing the poor coordination of Garuda Muda’s defense.
We played better in the first round. I don’t understand why we simply could not play well when we were superior in the number of players.
The led to Iraq being awarded a penalty. However, Iraq captain Abdulrazzaq Qasim failed to convert the golden opportunity into a goal.
"We played better in the first round. I don’t understand why we simply could not play well when we were superior in the number of players. We were less able to maintain [our] concentration," said Shin.
After Iraq, Garuda Muda will face Syria on Saturday (4/3). Indonesia should not repeat its mistakes against Iraq in order to still have a chance at advancing to the quarterfinals. Shin has only three days to fix his team’s weaknesses.
"In an event like this, the first match is very important. However, there is still the second match. Now, I’m try to keep the atmosphere within the team conducive," Shin said.
