General Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir said he was satisfied and proud with the achievements of the Indonesian U-23 team in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. Even though they failed in the semifinals, the Garuda Muda squad had shown their best performance and made history. He also does not question the delay in obtaining tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to him, opportunities are still wide open.
“I am a witness that the players have high enthusiasm to win and reach the final, but Uzbekistan is a tough team. I am satisfied with the national team and proud because
“football has united Indonesia,” said Erick in a written statement, Tuesday (30/4).
Erick continues to appreciate the coaches, players and officials for making Indonesia proud as debutants who qualified for the semifinals. He asked the players not to give up their enthusiasm and fight for third place.
“The national team must show mental strength once more in the match for third place in the U-23 Asian Cup, so that they can get an automatic ticket to appear in the Olympics,” he said.
Indonesia faced different resistance when they met Uzbekistan. The 2018 edition champion and four-time semifinalist put pressure on Indonesia from the start of the match. However, the strong defense commanded by Rizki Ridho meant that the first half ended with a score of 0-0.
In fact, Indonesia scored a goal in the 61st minute, through Muhammad Ferrari, but the referee disallowed it because an Indonesian player was offside.
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Disaster struck seven minutes later. Indonesia conceded the goal through Khusain Norchaev’s kick. Ernando Ari’s goal was then broken once more due to a coordination error with Pratama Arhan.
Even though they failed to reach the final, Indonesia still has a chance to appear at the 2024 Paris Olympics by playing for third place once morest Iraq. If Indonesia wins, the ticket will automatically be in your hands.
However, if you lose, there is still a last chance. Garuda Muda will play the inter-confederation playoff route once morest representatives from the African continent, namely Guinea U-23, which is scheduled for May 9. The winner of the playoffs will win a ticket to be on stage at the biggest sporting event in the world. (Ant/Z-11)
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