Vice President Amin: It is not impossible for "Garuda Muda" to advance to the final

The "Garuda Muda" team has the opportunity to continue to advance to the 2024 Asian Cup final. However, they need consistency in their game.

NINA SUSILO

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin expressed his joy over the victory of the Indonesian U-23 team in the quarterfinals of the AFC Asia Cup 2024 in Doha, Qatar on Friday (26/4/2024). He also hoped that the Garuda Muda team will continue to play consistently and never give up in the semifinals and finals.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Vice President Ma'ruf Amin was happy with the victory of the Indonesian U-23 team in the quarter-final round AFC U-23 Asian Cup, Friday (26/4/2024) early morning. He considered it very likely that the team ”Garuda Muda” would continue to advance to the final round and become champions.

Vice President Amin admits that many people doubt that the U-23 team can defeat strong teams in the U-23 Asian Cup. When facing Australia in the group stage, the Vice President said that the Garuda Muda could potentially win the match against the U-23 team from Australia, which is ranked 24th in the world. The requirement is to consistently play well, be confident, full of enthusiasm, and never give up. This became a reality.

A similar thing happened when the Indonesian U-23 team faced the South Korean U-23 team. South Korea's team ranking is only one point ahead of Australia, which is 23. Therefore, according to Vice President Amin, if Indonesia plays consistently, confidently, with full spirit and never surrenders, the Indonesian team can indeed defeat South Korea.

"We are grateful for that and we hope it continues to be consistent because the opponent we will face in the semifinals will be between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan," said Vice President Amin.

Also read: First Half Indonesia vs South Korea 2-1, Struick Scores Two Goals

Although the Indonesian team always loses against the Saudi Arabian team, the Vice President is optimistic that the Indonesian team can still win the match. "I hope they can do it. Because winning three times also gives encouragement, high motivation, and confidence to win," he said.

"We are grateful for that and we hope it continues to be consistent because the opponent in the upcoming semifinal match will be between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan."

AFC

Indonesian player, Justin Hubner, battled in the air with a South Korean player in the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, early Friday morning. Indonesia defeated South Korea through a penalty shootout. This victory secured Indonesia's spot in the semifinals.

Therefore, in addition to having a good enough game, the Indonesian team now has a champion mentality. The Vice President also prays that the Garuda Muda team can win the match in the semifinals, even to compete in the final round.

Minister of Youth and Sports' appreciation

Separately, Youth and Sports Minister Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo also appreciates the victory of the U-23 team. "I appreciate all elements of our national football team and of course, the PSSI," he said in a written message.

Dito also appreciates the solidarity of all elements of the Indonesian U-23 football national team. He also hopes that the Indonesian team can secure a spot to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"I appreciate all elements of our national football team and of course PSSI."

The Indonesia U-23 national team secured a victory after a penalty shootout drama of 11-10 in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Previously, after 120 minutes of fighting, the Indonesian and South Korean teams drew 2-2.

AFC

Indonesian captain, Rizky Ridho (left), tried to stop South Korean player, Kang Seongjin, during the quarterfinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Friday (26/4/2024) early morning WIB. Indonesia defeated Korea Selatan through penalty shootouts. This victory led Indonesia to advance to the semifinals.

Indonesia's two goals were obtained by Rafael Struick. Meanwhile, Korea obtained a goal from Komang Teguh's own goal in the first half and Jeong Sang-bin's kick.

“Indonesia finally won the match through a tense penalty shootout. ”

However, Indonesia eventually won the match through a thrilling penalty shootout. This gives Indonesia the opportunity to earn a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics if they can win the next match in the semifinals.

Face the winner of Uzbekistan versus Saudi Arabia

In the semifinal match, the Indonesian national team will face the winner of the Uzbekistan vs. Saudi Arabia match, which will take place on Friday at 9:00 PM at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

ARSIP ARI SANTOSO

South Korean (left) and Indonesian players preparing before the quarterfinals match of the 2024 Asia U-23 Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, early Friday morning (26/4/2024) WIB. Indonesia advanced to the semifinals after defeating South Korea through a penalty shootout.

Also read: If you beat South Korea, the U-23 Indonesian National Team will appear in France

If they lose in the semi-final round, Indonesia can still secure an automatic spot for the last Asian ticket in the third place playoff match. This match will bring together two teams who suffered defeats in the semi-finals.

Indonesia last participated in the Olympics in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia. Indonesia almost made it to the Montreal Olympics in 1976, but lost a penalty shoot-out against North Korea in the final qualifying match.