Young Garuda Will Not Give Australia Dead Ball In Leg 2 Of U-23 Asian Cup Qualification

Pratama Arhan (left) (Instagram @pratamarhan8)

JAKARTA - Indonesian U-23 national team left-back Pratama Arhan said that he and his teammates would not allow Australia to get a set-piece in the second leg of Group G Qualifying for the 2022 U-23 Asian Cup in Tajikistan, Friday tomorrow.

According to Arhan, quoted by Antara from PSSI's statement, Thursday, the dead ball situation, especially around the Indonesian penalty box, is potentially dangerous because Australia has players with high posture.

"They are very good in set-piece situations. We must anticipate that by not making a foul," said the 19-year-old footballer.

In the first leg, where Indonesia lost 2-3, Australia took the lead through set pieces in the 53rd minute.

At that time, central defender Marc Tokich, who is 1.87 meters tall, headed in the ball from a free kick that was executed by Lachlan Brook.

Pratama Arhan also said that the U-23 national team was determined not to repeat a similar situation.

Garuda Muda squad coach Shin Tae-yong also asked his foster children to focus and concentrate throughout the match.

"The coach and team have evaluated our shortcomings. We have also seen the weaknesses and strengths of the opponent. Our preparation is very good and the players are in good condition," said Arhan.

The Indonesian U-23 national team was beaten 2-3 by Australia in the first leg of Group G Qualifying for the 2022 U-23 Asian Cup at Republican Central Stadium, Tajikistan, Tuesday.

Two Indonesian goals were scored by Witan Sulaeman (67') and Taufik Hidayat (84'). Meanwhile, the goals for Australia were made by Marc Tokich (53'), Patrick Wood (59') and Jacob Italiano (77').

The Indonesian U-23 national team still has the chance to qualify for the 2022 U-23 Asian Cup. The condition is that the Garuda Muda squad must win at least with a two-goal advantage.

If Indonesia wins by one goal, the match will go straight to the penalty shootout without extra time.