Defeat in the U-17 Women's Asian Cup, the beginning of everything for Indonesia

Indonesia's defeat after defeat is an experience that needs to be processed well. This is the beginning of everything.

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Indonesian U-17 women's team player, Nabila Saputri, passed South Korean player, Ji Ae, during the Group A match of the U-17 Asian Women's Cup at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali on Thursday (9/5/2024). Indonesia lost by 12 goals to South Korea.

GIANYAR, KOMPAS — In age group tournaments like the 2024 U-17 Women's Asian Cup, defeat is not the end, but the beginning of everything. The work of participating teams such as Indonesia is not about winning and losing, but rather about how the players show resilience when experiencing bad results or when reality does not match expectations. Support from many parties plays an important role.

Indonesia showed a moral awakening when they faced South Korea in the Group A preliminary match for the U-17 Women's Asian Cup at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali, Thursday (9/5/2024) . The defeat in the first match against the Philippines did not make Indonesia slump. The best Indonesian women's team at this age actually played more solidly and spartanly against South Korea even though they ultimately lost 0-12.

A similar situation was shown by South Korea. Like Indonesia, South Korea is also a team that is "injured". In the previous match, South Korea lost by seven goals without reply from North Korea. However, the team nicknamed "Taegeuk Girls" managed to bounce back.

Also read: Maintaining the Confidence of the Indonesian Women's Football Team

Regarding mentality, Indonesia is unable to compete with South Korea. The task of the young team "Garuda Pertiwi" is a matter of technique and physicality, which is so clearly different, especially in the second half. In this case, Indonesia must admit the superiority of the opponent.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Two players from the South Korean U-17 women's team chase after Indonesian player Claudia Scheunemann (left) during a Group A match of the Women's U-17 Asia Cup at Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali on Thursday (9/5/2024).

"Earlier in the dressing room the players were crying. It shows they have a sense of disappointment and a desire to win, I think that's good. "However, of course they can't drag on and mourn the defeat," said Indonesian Coach Satoru Mochizuki.

"So, losing doesn't mean it's over. Giving up is what makes it over. In a team, winning and losing is normal. However, there must still be the desire and determination to perform better in the next match," he said.

So, losing doesn't mean it's over. If you give up, it's over. In a team, win-lose is normal.

Indonesia's participation in the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup is not about winning or losing. It's about how Indonesia can accept the results of the matches as part of learning and a momentum to strengthen mental fortitude.

Also read: Philippines Reveals Old Problems in Indonesian Women's Football

Athletes, including football players, cannot just rely on physical and technical abilities to achieve success and pursue their dreams. Football players also need to have resilience or the ability to adapt and remain steadfast in difficult situations. With that skill, they will not only reach championship on the field but also in life.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The female players of the Indonesian U-17 team could not hold back their tears after losing to the South Korean U-17 team in a Group A match of the U-17 Women's Asian Cup at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali on Thursday (9/5/2024).

Defeat after defeat is the result that young players must accept. Their resilience is being tested in this tournament. Moreover, in the final match, they will face North Korea, the best team in the U-17 category. If they cannot rise to the challenge, it will be difficult for Indonesia to overcome North Korea's resistance.

After the match, the players could not hide their sadness. In this case, the players need moral support, both from the coach and their parents. The coaching team immediately shook hands with and reassured their foster children. The coach also together with the players, went to the sidelines of the field to thank the audience and supporters who came.

Before going out on the field, some players asked to meet their parents who were in attendance. Indonesian midfielder Adelia Ramadany, for example, immediately hugged her mother and grandmother alternately while crying. Adelia's family tried to calm her down.

Also read: Young Goalkeeper Gadhiza Asnanza's Mental Steel

"I told Adel earlier that this defeat is not the end, in fact it is just the beginning of everything. Adel needs to experience this defeat in order to learn and become a stronger player," said Ida Cholida, Adel's mother, who came to Bali from Surabaya, East Java, to support her child.

Tough team

Despite that, the match against South Korea also became a moment for Indonesia to play and learn from a tough team. Although not reinforced by Casey Phair, the youngest player who appeared in the 2023 Women's World Cup, South Korea showed no difficulty and continued to prove that they were still worthy challengers for the title. South Korea is determined to win a second title after the 2009 Women's Asia Cup.

Unlike the Philippines who played aggressively by pressing throughout the game, South Korea played more tactically and patiently. The Taegeuk Girls relied on their advantage in aerial balls, proven by several scoring opportunities and goals coming from aerial duels. They recorded a 100 percent success rate in aerial duels, winning all of them.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Indonesian U-17 women's team goalkeeper, Gadhiza Asnanza, failed to stop a shot from South Korean U-17 women's team player, Won Jeun, in a Group A match of the Under-17 Women's Asian Cup at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali on Thursday (9/5/2024).

On the other hand, Indonesia actually appeared more Spartan than the game against the Philippines. Especially in the first half, Indonesia showed the type of play desired by the coach, which is accurate short passes and quick transitions from attacking to defending or vice versa. Some players were also braver and more confident in showcasing their individual abilities. Even South Korea had difficulty breaking through Indonesia's defense until finally scoring a goal in the 13th minute through Kim Hyo-won.

However, towards the end of the first half and second half, Indonesia began to lose focus. The passes were often inaccurate, while South Korea was getting better by scoring seven goals. Won Ju-eun, the most prolific player during qualifying with eight goals, managed to break into the Indonesian goal four times (in minutes 45+1, 50', 61' and 86'). The remaining five goals were scored by Han Guk-hee (34'), Beom Ye-ju (39'), Park Ji-yu (41'), Kim Yee-un (59'), Baek Ji-eun (80', 82' ), and Seo Min-jeong (90+2').

With that result, Indonesia has yet to avenge their defeat in the first meeting with South Korea during the 2005 AFC U-17 Women's Championship. In the inaugural edition of the AFC Women's Championship, Indonesia lost 0-15.

"If you lose badly, you obviously need motivation from your teammates, from the coach, from the family. "I myself am trying to quickly forget the result and get up again against North Korea (Sunday, 12 May 2024)," said Indonesian defender, Indira Jenna.