Indonesia vs Australia, Rare Victory for "Young Garuda"

For the first time in history, Indonesia was able to beat Australia, which has always been a scourge.

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Indonesian U-23 team player, Komang Teguh Trisnanda (middle/4), celebrates his goal against Australia in a Group A match of the U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar on Thursday (18/4/2024). Indonesia won with a score of 1-0.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Indonesia U-23 team holds out hope of advancing to the quarter-finals of the U-23 Asian Cup after smothering Australia, 1-0, at the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Stadium, Qatar , Thursday (18/4/2024) evening WIB. This victory is quite rare for Indonesia, which in its three previous meetings has always lost to Australia.

After a controversial 0-2 defeat by the host team Qatar in the first match, the Indonesian team showed their true face despite not being reinforced by several key players, namely Ivar Jenner and Ramadhan Sananta, who received red cards. Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong was able to optimize the available players so that the team's depth remained preserved.

Without the presence of Ivar as a midfielder, Shin appointed Nathan Tjoe-A-On to replace his position. Despite his natural position as a left-back, Nathan turned out to be quite proficient in playing in the midfield.

He was able to read the opponent's attack direction several times and also became the axis of Indonesia's team game. The goal scored by Komang Teguh was created thanks to an assist from Nathan.

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The Indonesia U-23 team players compete for the ball with the Australian players in the Group A match of the U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday (18/4/2024). Indonesia won with a score of 1-0.

"Young Garuda" played according to the scheme that Coach Shin Tae-yong wanted. The Indonesian players did not allow Australia the freedom to develop their game. By applying high pressure, the Indonesian players tried to lock the ball so that it always circulated in Australia's playing area only.

Australia can occasionally relieve pressure by taking advantage of momentum when Indonesia is slow to transition. Australian striker Mohamed Toure was the most troublesome player for the Indonesian defense due to his attacking instincts.

Toure almost brought Australia ahead from the penalty spot. The penalty was given by the referee after the handball of Indonesia defender Komang Teguh Trisnanda touched the ball from the shot of an Australian player. Toure's opportunity to take the lead was wasted. Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi played heroically by being able to anticipate Toure's penalty kick direction.

Australia increased the tempo of the game in the second half. This approach made Australia's game much more vibrant. If in the first half they were under pressure with Indonesia's aggressive appearance, the situation turned around in the second half. Australia flowed the ball more in Indonesia's playing area.

Also read: Indonesia vs Australia, Komang Brings Garuda Muda to the Win in the First Half

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A player from the Indonesian U-23 team, Jeam Kelly Sroyer (left/19), vies for the ball with an Australian player in a Group A match of the U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Thursday (18/4/2024). Indonesia won with a score of 1-0.

Several opportunities were created by Australian players, but were still thwarted by Indonesia's defense line. Indonesia's right defense side, guarded by Muhammad Ferarri, became Australia's weak target.

Australian players were able to quickly change the direction of their attack, which initially began on the left side of Indonesia's defense, to the right. This speed in changing the direction of the attack was quite effective in dismantling Indonesia's defense, which was using a 3-4-3 formation.

After the referee blew the final whistle, the Indonesian players fell to their knees in gratitude. A victory, albeit a narrow one, over Australia is a rare occurrence for Indonesia. In the three previous occasions, the "Garuda Muda" team had always suffered defeats against Australia.

The struggle to conquer Australia is also felt by the senior Indonesian national team. In 19 meetings against Australia since 1967, Indonesia has suffered 15 defeats, achieved 3 draws, and only once managed to win against the "Socceroos". The last victory of the Indonesian national team over Australia occurred in 1981 in the Asian Zone World Cup Qualifiers.

Also read: Indonesia gets additional ammunition ahead of life-and-death match against Australia

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Indonesia's U-23 team player, Muhammad Ferarri, passes the ball while facing Australia in a Group A match of the U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday (18/4/2024). Indonesia won with a score of 1-0.

Australian Constraints

Even though they appeared dominant, Australia was still unable to complete their homework in the previous match, namely attack effectiveness. The problem of the blunt attack line was raised by Australian coach Antony Vidmar after his team drew 0-0 with Jordan in the first match.

”We want to play football at high speed, but when you have a team that defends well and is well structured, then sometimes you have to work hard to create chances,” said Vidmar, quoted from the AFC page.

Also read: Win or Go Home, Team "Garuda Muda"

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The Indonesian U-23 team players gathered to boost their morale before facing Australia in the Group A match of the U-23 Asian Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday (18/4/2024). Indonesia won with a score of 1-0.

With the defeat against Indonesia, Australia's chance to advance to the quarterfinals is not entirely closed. However, they need hard work and luck to qualify. In the final match, Australia will face host country Qatar. If they are able to beat Qatar, Australia's certainty to qualify for the quarterfinals must wait for the results of the match between Indonesia and Jordan.

Indonesia will face Jordan on Sunday (21/4). This is the final match that will determine Indonesia's continuation in the U-23 Asian Cup. If they are able to collect full points again, Indonesia is guaranteed to qualify for the quarter-finals.