Rafael Struick's Support For Indonesia U-23

Rafael Struick missed the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup semifinals (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - Rafael Struick will miss Indonesia U-23 meeting Uzbekistan U-23 in the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Monday, April 29, 2024, WIB night.

Uzbekistan U-23 is certainly a tough challenge for Garuda Muda. They are strong contestants at the age group level.

White Wolves had experience winning the U23 Asian Cup in the 2016 edition and runners-up in 2022.

In addition, until the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan U-23 has an impressive record. They became the most productive (12 goals) team and the only one that was still clean-sheet.

"We watched their game against Saudi Arabia U-23. I think they are a good team. They also won (in the group round) with nine points and zero goals. So, yes, this is a strong team," Struick said.

However, he still provides extra support for his friends. Struick believes Indonesia U-23 is not afraid to tackle Uzbekistan U-23, which is known to be very superior in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

"We (Indonesia U-23) are also a strong team. So, this will be a good match," said the Ado den Hague player.

However, Garuda Muda is also not worthy of being underestimated. The journey of Shin Tae-yong's foster children also promised.

They were able to beat Australia U-23 (1-0) and Jordan U-23 (4-1) before silencing the winning candidate, South Korea U-23.

In the quarter-final match, South Korea U-23 was forced to surrender on penalties 11-10 after the match ended 2-2 until the extra round.

Rafael Struick became one of Indonesia's U-23 heroes in the victory against South Korea U-23. He contributed all of Garuda Muda's goals.

Unfortunately, Struick was unable to play in the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup due to a yellow card accumulation penalty.