Losing In The First Match Of The 2023 Asian Cup, The Indonesian National Team Still Has The Last 16 Asa Even Though It's Thin

The Indonesian national team lost 1-3 to Iraq in the inaugural match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team swallowed a bitter result when they played their first match in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. They lost 1-3 to Iraq at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Monday, January 15, 2024.

The defeat to Iraq has had a lot of effect on the target of the Indonesian national team who want to qualify for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup. According to observer Ronny Pangemanan or who is familiarly called Bung Ropan, this result makes the chance to qualify very thin even though there is still hope left.

"We are the ones who are a bit difficult, after losing against Iraq. Vietnam is waiting, finally Japan. With this defeat, it (the next opponent) makes advancing to the round of 16, very heavy, very thin opportunities," he said, quoted from his Youtube channel on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

After fighting Iraq, the Indonesian national team will face Vietnam (19/1/2024) and Japan (24/1/2024). The two matches are the hope to collect points for the knockout stages.

However, the journey of Shin Tae-yong's team in the future is tough. For example, having a winning capital against Vietnam, it is not enough, if it is raining goals also haunts when meeting Japan.

Let alone looking at Japan, even welcoming the meeting with Vietnam, according to Ropan, could be difficult if the Indonesian national team did not appear at risk of self-esteem.

"Our next task is not easy against Vietnam. You see, Vietnam when playing against Japan is also extraordinary," said Bung Ropan.

"I think this (the rest of the match) is a duel of pride for us and Vietnam because we both want to win."

Meanwhile, the Indonesian vs Iraq national team party actually has the potential to reap points.

The Garuda squad was left behind in the 17th minute through Mohanad Ali's flick. However, Marselino Ferdinand made the position 1-1 in the 37th minute.

The goal brought the mentality of the Indonesian national team to an increase. High determination can be seen with motivation not wanting to lose.

However, Iraq's second goal which smelled controversially damaged the mentality of Shin Tae-yong's team. Osama Rashid's goal was considered invalid because previously Mohanad Ali was offside.

The controversial goal in the first half injury time was enough to undermine the enthusiasm of the Indonesian national team, making it difficult to catch up in the second half.

In fact, the Indonesian national team conceded again in the 79th minute through Aymen Hussein's goal.