Preview of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup Indonesia vs Uzbekistan: Determination of the Fate of Garuda

The Indonesian U-20 national team. (photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA – The U-20 Indonesian national team will play the final match of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup group phase against Uzbekistan. This is a crucial match for Garuda to ensure a ticket to the quarter-finals.

The Indonesia U-20 duel against the home team will take place at the Istiqlol Stadium, Fergana, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Kick off the match starts at 21.00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

So far from the two matches played, Indonesia has collected one win and one defeat. One victory was obtained against Syria in the second match.

Meanwhile, when they met Iraq in a match, Indonesia failed to gain points. In that match, Shin Tae-yong's squad had to admit the advantage of the opponent's two goals without reply.

The result made Indonesia collect three points and placed third in the group standings. Garuda Muda is behind leaders Uzbekistan and Iraq.

Uzbekistan has collected six points thanks to two wins against Syria and Iraq. Therefore, they only need a draw against Indonesia to advance to the quarter-finals.

Even so, the home team certainly doesn't want to play it safe to get just one point. They will definitely chase victory against Indonesia in order to progress with a perfect record.

Meanwhile, the U-20 Indonesian National Team must win if you want to have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. However, Indonesia's chance is not too big because the result of the match between Iraq and Syria will also be decisive.

Indonesia can qualify for the quarter-finals if Iraq loses against Syria. If that scenario occurs, Indonesia will at least need a draw to get a ticket to the last eight.

On the other hand, if Iraq wins, Indonesia must also win, but with a bigger goal margin. The reason is, currently, Indonesia is still losing head to head with Iraq on goal difference.

Estimated lineup:

Indonesia (3-4-3): Daffa Fasya; Muhammad Ferarri, Kakang Rudianto, Robi Darwis; Sulthan Zaky, Arkhan Fikri, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Resa Aditya; Hugo Samir, Ronaldo Kwateh, Hokky Caraka

Coach: Shin Tae-yong

Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1): Otabek Boymurodov; Abubakir Ashurov, Jakhongir Orozov, Makhmudjon Makhamadjonov, Zafarmurod Abdurahmatov; Diyorbek Ortiqboyev, Nodirbek Abdurazzoqov; Bekhruzbek Asqarov, Umarali Rahmonaliyev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev; Polatkhoja Kholdorkhonov

Coach: Ravshan Khaydarov