Defeated by the Philippines 1-6, Don't Give Up "Garuda Homeland"!

Indonesia can take many lessons from its first U-17 Women's Asian Cup match against the Philippines.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The issue of air pollution is not new. The community has long been threatened by air pollution, and there is ample research evidence indicating the threats posed by its impacts. However, despite this, efforts to control air pollution have not been significant enough. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering and living in the midst of air pollution. Indonesian U-17 women's team player Nabila Divany (left) vies for the ball in the air with Filipina U-17 women's team player Natalie Collins during the Group A match of the Women's Asian Cup U-17 2024 at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali on Monday (6/5/2024). The Indonesian women's team had to admit defeat to the Filipina U-17 women's team with a score of 1-6.

GIANYAR, KOMPAS — Various expressions such as experience is the best teacher or results will not betray efforts to accurately describe the match between Indonesia and Philippines in the 2024 U-17 Women's Asian Cup. The results of the match show that Indonesia lost class, even at the Southeast Asian level. However, positive things also emerged, such as the spirit of never giving up which continued to shine and several players who showed off their best talents.

Indonesian players could not hide their sad and disappointed faces after the match against the Philippines in the Group A elimination round of the 2024 Under-17 Women's Asian Cup at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali on Monday (6/5/2024). The sadness and disappointment are understandable, considering Indonesia's debut performance in the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup after 19 years ended in a 1-6 defeat.

I am of course disappointed because Indonesia lost. However, the players also showed high fighting spirit.

Zaira Kusuma and her friends stood tall again as they approached the stands occupied by Indonesia supporters. Cheers of encouragement from the audience, consisting of the players' families, Ultras Garuda supporters, and Gianyar students strengthened their spirits. These young football players smiled again.

Also read: First Test of the Indonesian Women's Team from the Philippine Steel Mentality

There is a saying that experience is the best teacher. For these young players, the experience against the Philippines can provide many valuable lessons. Moreover, the Philippines has been developing women's football in recent years.

"I am certainly disappointed that Indonesia lost. However, the players also showed a high fighting spirit," said the coach of the Indonesian women's national team, Satoru Mochizuki.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The issue of air pollution is not new. The community's condition that is threatened by air pollution has been going on for a long time. There is no shortage of research evidence indicating the threats of air pollution's impacts. However, this has not been able to push for significant efforts in controlling air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering while living amidst air pollution. Indonesia's U-17 women's team goalkeeper, Gadhiza Asnanza (left), conceded a goal from Philippines' U-17 women's team player, Alexa Pino (unseen), during the Group A match of the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup 2024 at Captain I Wayan Dipta Gianyar Stadium in Bali on Monday (6/5/2024). Indonesia's U-17 women's team had to admit defeat to the Philippines' U-17 women's team with a score of 1-6.

What Satoru said was not an exaggeration. Despite the loss, the players fought until the end of the match. The goalkeeper, Gadhiza Asnanza, did concede up to six goals, but his brilliant performance repeatedly saved Indonesia's goal. The same goes for the spirit shown by Claudia Scheunemann and Kikka.

When conceding a goal, Claudia and Kikka take turns bringing the ball from Indonesia's goal to the center of the field. They also take turns urging their teammates not to dwell on the opponent's goal. "Come on, let's start again!" shouted Kikka.

Indonesia may indeed fall short in many aspects compared to the Philippines, from body posture, physical strength, to technical maturity. When confident Filipino players showcase their skills in front of the goal, Indonesian players still struggle with inaccurate passes. The physical strength of players also remains a task for coach Mochizuki to improve.

Also read: Welcoming the Indonesian Women's Team to the Asian Stage

According to Mochizuki, a player's physicality and resilience cannot be formed and strengthened instantly. However, that aspect will be one of his focuses for the Indonesian women's national team. From the match against the Philippines, Mochizuki said that players can also learn about quick gameplay, especially transitioning from attack to defense or vice versa.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The issue of air pollution is not new. The community's condition, which is threatened by air pollution, has long been a problem. There is ample research evidence showing the impacts of air pollution. However, it has not been able to push for significant efforts in controlling air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering due to air pollution. Indonesian U-17 women's team player, Allya Putri (right), tries to pass Filipina U-17 women's team player, Ariana Markey, during the Group A match of the 2024 Asian U-17 Women's Cup at Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali on Monday (6/5/2024). The Indonesian women's team had to acknowledge the superiority of the Filipina U-17 women's team with a score of 1-6.

"More importantly, I am proud because the players did not easily give up. This is good for the next match. I hope they remain motivated," said the figure who was once a part of the coaching team when Japan won the 2011 Women's World Cup.

Claudia Ray

In the first half, when facing continuous pressure from the Philippines, Indonesia actually managed to give some hope through Claudia Scheunemann's spectacular move. From outside the penalty box, Claudia shot the ball with her right foot that went straight into the left corner of the Philippines goalkeeper, Gabrielle Baker.

The audience cheered as Claudia scored a goal in the 12th minute. With that goal, Indonesia equalized to 1-1 after conceding first through Alexa Pino's action in the 6th minute.

"We have tried our best. This team has only been formed for a month, so there are still many things that need to be improved. Hopefully, we can be more cohesive and better step by step," said Claudia, who has also strengthened the senior national team in the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifications in April 2023.

Also read: U-17 Women's Asian Cup: from Asia to the World Stage

On the other hand, the Philippines became more enthusiastic in breaking down Indonesia's defense after conceding a goal. Alexa Pino scored again for the Philippines in the 36th minute. Previously, Jael Guy (22') and Ariana Markey (29') also added to the Philippines' lead. In the second half, Natalie Collins scored two goals in the 54th and 62nd minutes.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Indonesian U-17 women's team player, Claudia Scheunemann (left), attempts to pass Philippine U-17 women's team player, Lauren Villasin, during the Group A match of the 2024 AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali, on Monday (6/5/2024). The Indonesian women's team had to admit defeat to the Philippine U-17 women's team with a score of 1-6.

Their actions were like depicting the saying that results will not betray efforts. The Philippines' victory is not separated from their intensive efforts in the past few months.

The team nicknamed "Filipinas" not only undergoes training in the country, but also abroad. They also compete and play with European teams. This is different from Indonesia, which only underwent intensive training in Bali three weeks ago.

Against Indonesia, the Philippines was not actually strengthened by Isabella Preston, who was the motor of their attack during the qualifications for the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup. Preston scored a total of two goals during the qualifications, including an important goal against Vietnam to ensure the Philippines' first-ever qualification for the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup.

"We have seven players like Isabella Preston. So yes, we have a lot of good players to play in the front area," said Filipino coach Sinisa Cohadzic confidently.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The issue of air pollution is not new. The condition of communities threatened by air pollution has long been happening. There is plenty of research evidence showing the threats posed by air pollution. However, it has yet to trigger significant efforts to control air pollution. Residents are increasingly suffering from the threat of air pollution. The player of the North Korean U-17 women's football team, Ri Kuk Hyang (number 17), celebrates after scoring a goal against the South Korean U-17 women's football team in the first match of the U-17 Asian Women's Cup at the Bali United Training Center, Gianyar, Bali, on Monday (6/5/2024). North Korea defeated South Korea with a significant score of 7-0 in the opening match of the U-17 Asian Women's Cup.

In another match in Group A, North Korea won over South Korea with a decisive score of 7-0. South Korea will be Indonesia's opponent in the next match, which will be held on Thursday (9/5/2024).