Reading The Opportunities Of The Indonesian National Team In The U-23 Asian Cup Group Phase

The U-23 Indonesian national team during a trial against Saudi Arabia/PSSI DOK

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will compete in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. In the group phase, Shin Tae Yong's team is predicted to have a big chance to qualify.

Football observer Mohamad Kusnaeni assesses that the strength of participants in Group A is fairly balanced.

"The strength of the four participants in this group is relatively balanced. Even though it is at the senior level of the Asian champions, at the U-23 level Qatar's ability is not very superior," said Mohamad Kusnaeni as quoted by Antara, Monday, April 15.

Indonesia is in Group A with the hosts Qatar, Australia, and Jordan.

From the list of 23 players who were called, the Garuda squad is now ready to perform optimally by being filled with a number of players who have experience in the senior level of the Asian Cup such as Arhan Pratama, Witan Sulaeman, Marselino Ferdinand to Rafael Struick.

Although filled with players who already have a match with Shin Tae-yong's style of play, Bung Kus - his nickname - reminded the South Korean coach not to conduct a number of experiments throughout the U-23 Asian Cup.

"Sebagai materi, tim tutu STY masih cukup kuat. Sebab dihuni sebagian besar pemain yang sudah merasakan bermain di timnas senior. STY ada baik juga tidak banyak melakukan experiment atau merebak formation. Pertahankan pola 3-4-3 dengan sedikit penyesinkan dalam penyemanan pemain untuk mengatasi seberapa pemain kunci," ujarnya.

The Garuda Muda team is scheduled to have their opening match against Qatar which will take place at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Monday at 22.30 WIB.

According to Kusnaeni, this opening match is very important to raise the confidence of Indonesian players.

Kusnaeni also reminded that Marselino and his friends should continue to focus, especially on the early 10 minutes and the end of the match.

"This first match is very important. Indonesia U-23 cannot lose so that the next step can be more stable and the players are more confident. For that, play with high confidence but focus and discipline. Don't make mistakes, especially in the early 10 minutes and the end of the match," he said.