Fast Football Patience And Circulation Is The Key To Indonesia U-19's Victory Over Cambodia U-19

JAKARTA - Indonesia U-19 struggles to win over Cambodia U-19 in the second match of Group A of the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Garuda Muda again won the perfect points after beating Cambodia U-19 two goals without reply. The two goals were contributed by Kadek Arel (71') and Iqbal Gwijangge (86').

Indra Sjafri as the head coach of Indonesia U-19 agreed that his troops had difficulties in the first half so that they ended up without goals.

Despite controlling the ball, Garuda Muda is difficult to penetrate the Cambodia U-19 defense which is so solid and tight.

However, Indra included a number of players to apply other tactics in the second half. As a result, the change resulted in two goals.

Indonesia U-19 appeared with fast ball circulation in the second half. They also appeared more patiently to dismantle the opponent's defense.

These two factors are the key to Garuda Muda's success in destroying the defense of five Cambodian U-19 defenders.

"I appreciate all the players. They have tried to win the match. Even though it is difficult because they play with a compact defense, it takes patience and circulation of fast balls," said Indra after the match.

"The first half had a lot of wrong passing. We tried to take advantage of the width of the field, but they can anticipate it. Finally, in the second half we changed it," he said again.

Furthermore, Indonesia U-19 will face Timor Leste U-19 in the last match of Group A on July 23, 2024. In the group's final match, Garuda Muda only needed series results to secure the top of the standings.

Garuda Muda has certainly qualified for the knockout stages after collecting six points from two matches. Before beating Cambodia U-19, Indra Sjafri's troops silenced the U-19 Philippines with a landslide score of 6-0.