First Round Indonesia vs South Korea 2-1, Struick Scores Two Goals

Indonesia was superior to South Korea in the first round of the U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals. Struick scored two goals.

HUMAS PSSI

Indonesian attacker, Rafael Struick, released a kick amidst the control of a Jordanian defender in the Group A match of the 2024 Asian Cup U-23 on Sunday (21/4/2024) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha. Struick scored two goals in the quarter-final match between South Korea and Indonesia, early Friday morning (26/4/2024) in WIB time.

DOHA, FRIDAY-The quarter-final match 2024 U-23 Asian Cup between South Korea and Indonesia, Friday (26/4/ 2024) early morning WIB is a match that is highly anticipated by Indonesian football fans. This match is historic because it is the first time Indonesia has reached the knockout stages of the U-23 Asian Cup.

In the first half, Indonesia was ahead 2-1. Striker Rafael Struick scored a brace or two goals. South Korea's goal occurred because of defender Komang Teguh's own goal.

This match is very important for Indonesia to win because only the top three ranked teams can qualify directly for the Paris Olympics. The fourth-ranked team must go through a play-off round against the African representative, Guinea, to compete for the remaining ticket to Paris.

Also read: Indonesia vs South Korea, Two Trainers' Antithetical Patent Test

This match which took place at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium was also the dream match of the Indonesian Coach, Shin Tae-yong. He had long dreamed of training a team to play against his own country's team. Shin will compete in strategy with the South Korean coach, Hwang Sun-hong. On paper, Shin is more experienced than Hwang, but football is played on the field, not on paper.

The Indonesian team's condition is currently on the rise after defeating Australia, 1-0, and Jordan, 4-1 in the preliminary rounds. The arrival of versatile player Nathan Tjoe-A-On, who was previously doubtful to be able to play for Garuda Muda, will add strength to Indonesia.

HUMAS PSSI

Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong and defender as well as captain of the Indonesian U-23 team, Rizky Ridho, posed for a photo after attending a press conference ahead of the match between Indonesia and South Korea in the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup on Wednesday (24/4/2024) at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Both teams are under immense pressure. Victory is the ultimate outcome that cannot be negotiated. If Indonesia is able to release the pressure, it is not impossible for Rizky Ridho and his friends to beat South Korea.

Shin Tae-yong deployed a 3-4-3 formation similar to the formation of the team under coach Hwang Sun-hong. Marselino Ferdinan, Rafael Struick, and Witan Sulaeman were placed as the spearhead of the attack. As for the midfield positions, Shin placed Rio Fahmi and Pratama Arhan on the wings, and Ivar Jenner and Nathan Tjoe A On in the middle. The trio of defenders were entrusted to Komang Teguh, Rizky Ridho, and Justin Hubner.

Also read: No Compromise from STY for South Korea

South Korea broke into Indonesia's goal in the 7th minute with a hard kick from long distance by striker Lee Kang-he. The goal was disallowed for offside, after the referee saw the videotape of the match. Failing to score the first goal, South Korea increased the intensity of their attacks with quick transitions. South Korea relied on attacks from the left and right wings. Indonesia responded to South Korea's game with a high tempo and aggressive game.

Rafael Struick scored a beautiful goal in the 15th minute from the left side outside the penalty box. Struick's kick slid into the upper left corner of the South Korea goal. Struick's position was not anticipated by the South Korean squad who defended Indonesia's attack with a tight defense.

AFC/MUSTAFA ABUMUNES

Rafael Struick, an Indonesian striker, challenged Qatar defender Al-Hasmi Mohialdin for the ball in the first match of Group A in the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup on Monday (15/4/2024) at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar. Rafael failed to save the "Young Garudas" from defeat.

Indonesia's golden opportunity came in the 31st minute through Marselino, who was free from South Korean player's defense. The chance began from a gradually built attack scheme from the back. Unfortunately, Marselino's kick went too wide to the left of the goalpost.

South Korea equalized in the 45th minute through a own goal by defender Komang Teguh. The header of striker Eom Ji-sung hit Komang's head. The ball was actually saved by goalkeeper Ernando Ari but slipped away and entered the goal.

Indonesia scored a second goal in extra time of the second half through a long pass from Ivan Jenner that was continued by Rafael Struick. The teamwork shown by Garuda Muda proved to exert heavy pressure on South Korea. The first half ended with Indonesia leading 2-1.