The U-23 Indonesian National Team Scenario Qualifies For The Fall Fase Of The U-23 Asian Cup

JAKARTA - The opportunity for the U-23 Indonesian national team to qualify for the knockout round, aka the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, is wide open.

Garuda Muda narrowly won over Australia U-23 with a score of 1-0 in the second match of Group A, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

The collection of three points makes Shin Tae-yong's team now in second place in the standings.

The situation of the two Group A matches benefited Garuda Muda. You see, the host Qatar U-23 beat Jordan U-23 with a score of 2-1.

Qatar U-23 is now leading the Group A standings with two wins, one of which was when they beat Indonesia U-23 2-0.

While Jordan U-23 and Australia U-23 are in third and fourth place by collecting one point from two matches. They got that one point when the two clashed and ended 0-0.

This means that Indonesia U-23's position is above the wind. Judging by the head-to-head system in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, Garuda Muda is more profitable.

In the first scenario, Indonesia U-23 only needs a series result against Jordan U-23 with a record that Australia U-23 plays a maximum series against Qatar U-23.

Then, if Australia U-23 wins in the last match, Garuda Muda must also win to make it safer.

If Australia U-23 wins and Indonesia U-23 draws, they will both collect four points. Garuda Muda's chances are running low because the second provision in head-to-head will see a goal difference.

You see, Australia U-23 has a big chance of having a better goal difference if they win against Qatar U-23.

In essence, Indonesia U-23 must win if they want to walk smoothly into the knockout stages. In addition, Garuda Muda cannot lose against Jordan U-23 because the defeat made them certain to be evicted from second place in Group A.