The best generation of the Indonesian national team is one step closer to being created

Qualifying for the 2024 Olympics will be the best achievement for Indonesian football. "Young Garuda" is sure to subdue Uzbekistan.

AFC

Indonesian player Justin Hubner competes in the air with a South Korean player during the quarter-final match of the 2024 AFC U-23 Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Friday (26/4/2024) early morning WIB. Indonesia defeated South Korea through a penalty shoot-out. Indonesia will face Uzbekistan in the semi-final match on Monday (29/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The Indonesian U-23 team only needs one more victory to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. If they can make it to the final round of the Olympics, the "Garuda Muda" team coached by Shin Tae-yong deserves to be called the best generation of the Indonesian team since the country gained independence on August 17, 1945.

Indonesia must defeat Uzbekistan in the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, Monday (29/4/2024) at 21.00 WIB, at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, to become the team Asia is the first to win a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Apart from appearing at the Olympics, Indonesia also has hopes of winning first place in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournament for the first time since the 1961 U-20 Asian Cup.

I feel that this time is the right moment to bring Indonesia to participate in the Olympics.

Since PSSI became an official member of FIFA in 1952, Indonesia's best achievement at the global level was participating in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (Australia). However, Tan Liong Houw and his friends' participation in Melbourne was based on a "gift" due to Taiwan's withdrawal in the qualifying rounds, which allowed Indonesia to directly qualify for the Olympics.

Also read: Indonesia vs Uzbekistan, "Garuda Muda" Must Chase the Opening Goal in the First Half

On the other hand, FIFA also recognizes Indonesia as Asia's first representative in the World Cup. In the 1938 edition held in France, Indonesia, then still registered as the Dutch East Indies, also participated due to a grant after Japan withdrew from the qualifying competition in the Asian zone.

Although recognized by FIFA as representing Asia, Dutch East Indies is a team under the auspices of NIVU (Football Association of Dutch East Indies), not a team formed by PSSI. At that time, the Dutch flag even appeared on the team's uniform, captained by Achmad Nawir with a orange jersey, white shorts, and blue socks.

It is no wonder that Syamsuddin Umar, the Assistant Coach of the Indonesian National Team during the 2007 Asian Cup, says that securing a ticket to Paris 2024 will solidify Marselino Ferdinan and his colleagues as the best "Garuda" squad since Indonesia declared independence.

Also read: Semifinals are over, Olympics and champions are the next target of "Garuda Muda"

"If we can become finalists and qualify for the Olympics, I consider them the best national team as long as the Republic of Indonesia exists. Because they qualified for the world tournament through stages, not through gifts or replacing other teams. It's like studying the Quran, our team goes through the process from reading the alif to finishing," said Syamsuddin, who was contacted in Jakarta on Sunday (April 28, 2024).

In addition to achievements, Syamsuddin also mentioned that the Garuda Muda squad presented a modern style of play that had never been shown in Indonesia in previous eras. In addition to playing offensively, Indonesia also demonstrated mental strength and self-confidence that had long disappeared.

AFC

Indonesian player, Pratama Arhan (left), fights for the ball with South Korean player, Kang Seong-jin, in the quarterfinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Friday (4/26/2024) early morning WIB. Indonesia defeated South Korea through a penalty shootout. This victory led Indonesia to advance to the semifinals.

"I admire Indonesia for implementing an open game strategy, and also for being able to regulate the rhythm and make changes to the playing system at certain moments. All players participate in both defensive and offensive patterns, even our goalkeeper plays the role of a libero who helps in the attack," said Syamsuddin who led PSM Makassar to win two Indonesian League titles.

In a press conference ahead of the match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Sunday, Shin mentioned that he is not overly familiar with Indonesia's history of participation in the Olympics. Nevertheless, he is confident that this is Indonesia's best moment to end a long wait to compete in the world's biggest sports event.

Also read: Epos Ernando Ari Responds to Shin Tae-yong and Indonesia's Disappointment

"I didn't feel the pressure (before the semifinals). I just enjoyed the moment and the challenge, and I also made it a pleasant moment for all the players. I felt that this time was the right moment to bring Indonesia to participate in the Olympics," said Shin, who led South Korea to compete in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Shin mentioned that his squad's self-confidence is increasing after defeating South Korea in the quarter-finals. According to him, Uzbekistan will present a challenging game for his team.

AFC

Indonesia U-23 coach Shin Tae-yong gave instructions to his players during the quarterfinal match of the U-23 Asian Cup 2024 against South Korea on Friday (26/4/2024) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Indonesia will face Uzbekistan in the semifinal match on Monday (29/4/2024).

"Uzbekistan is a team with a fast transition process. This is a factor that makes them one of the favorites with good defense and productivity. We are also in good condition and have undergone the best preparation, so the match will present a mental battle," Shin said.

Positive record

Furthermore, Shin also believes that he can defeat Uzbekistan because he has good memories and records against the team nicknamed "White Wolves". He mentioned that despite facing Uzbekistan with a stronger squad, his team has never suffered a defeat from the Central Asian team. Shin cited an example from the 2023 Asian Cup U-20, where Indonesia, playing poorly, was able to hold Uzbekistan, the home team.

Also read: Indonesia vs South Korea Penalty Shootout Drama, Why Was Justin Hubner's Penalty Repeated?

"On a personal level, I have never experienced defeat against Uzbekistan. I have good memories and feelings. With a positive mindset, good luck, and good preparation, we believe we can achieve victory," said Shin.

Meanwhile, Witan Sulaeman, the Indonesian wing striker, has the ambition to end Uzbekistan's scoreless performance in four matches at the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. He believes that Shin has prepared the best strategy for all players to be able to provide a performance. maximum in order to reach the final.

AFC

Indonesian player, Witan Sulaeman (left), passes Korean player, Kang Seong-jin, during the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, early Friday (26/4/2024) morning Western Indonesia Time. Indonesia defeated South Korea through a penalty shootout. This victory led Indonesia to advance to the semifinals.

"Tomorrow (Monday) against Uzbekistan, we will fight harder than in the previous game," said Witan, who has contributed one goal and one assist in Qatar 2024.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan U-23 coach Timur Kapadze considers that his team has improved after being able to overcome four difficult matches, including eliminating Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals. Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian team the White Wolves squad will face in Qatar 2024 after Malaysia and Vietnam in the group phase.

Also read: Traces of the Indonesian National Football Team's Achievements at Asian Level

”Indonesia will present a tough match. "We will pursue positive results with our strategies and the results of our preparations," said Kapadze.

Umarali Rakhmonaliev, a midfielder from Uzbekistan, stated that Indonesia has shown rapid progress as a team. This is evidenced by their ability to defeat strong teams, such as South Korea.

AFC

Uzbekistan U-23 coach, Timur Kapadze, gave instructions to his players during the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup against Saudi Arabia on Friday (26/4/2024) at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar. Indonesia will face Uzbekistan in the semifinal match on Monday (29/4/2024).

"Indonesia is a team that is already much stronger. They have experienced many developments compared to our last meeting, so the match ahead will be much more difficult," said Rakhmonaliev who will face Indonesia in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup and the 2022 Asian Games.

At the 2022 Asian Games, in late September 2023, Uzbekistan eliminated Indonesia, who was coached by Indra Sjafri, in the round of 16 with a score of 2-0. Uzbekistan scored two goals during extra time.