Expressing Appreciation, the President Calls the U-23 Team's Achievements Historic

President Jokowi appreciated the achievements of the U-23 team in the quarter-finals. Hopes for the 2024 Olympics are open.

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Indonesia's left wing back, Pratam Arhan, contested the ball with South Korean striker, Kang Seong-jin, in the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup on Friday (26/4/2024) at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Arhan became the determinant of Indonesia's victory in the penalty shoot-out.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — President Joko Widodo expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the Indonesian U-23 team in defeating South Korea in the quarter-finals U-23 Asian Cup 2024 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Friday (26/4/2024) early morning. Not only giving congratulations, the President also asked all "Garuda Muda" players to remain enthusiastic about taking advantage of the opportunity to reach the 2024 Paris Olympics.

President Jokowi conveyed warm greetings through his social media accounts on Instagram and X on Friday morning. The President mentioned the victory of the Indonesian U-23 team over the South Korean team as an extraordinary achievement.

"The first time Indonesia has reached the semifinals in this competition, it is very historic!" he wrote.

Also read: Eliminate South Korea, Indonesia One More Victory at the Paris Olympics

President Jokowi congratulated the Garuda Muda team. The President also hopes that the Indonesian U-23 team can make the most of their opportunities in the semifinals to earn a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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President Joko Widodo appreciates the victory of the Indonesian U-23 team in the quarterfinals of the U-23 Asia Cup on Friday (26/4/2024). The post has received more than 36,000 likes and over 2,200 comments in 20 minutes.

"Keep up the enthusiasm, Indonesian national team!" said President Jokowi.

The Indonesian U-23 team claimed victory after a penalty shoot-out drama that ended 11-10 during the quarterfinals of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha. Prior to that, after a 120-minute battle, the Indonesian and South Korean teams played to a 2-2 draw.

Both goals for the Garuda Muda team were scored by Rafael Struick. Meanwhile, South Korea got a goal from Komang Teguh's own goal in the first half and Jeong Sang-bin's kick.

This is the first time Indonesia has managed to reach the semifinals in this competition, very historic!

However, Indonesia finally won the match through a thrilling penalty shoot-out drama. This achievement gives Indonesia the opportunity to secure a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics if they are able to win the match in the semifinals.

In the semifinal match, the team under coach Shin Tae-yong will face the winner of the Uzbekistan versus Saudi Arabia match which will take place on Friday at 9:00 PM at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

If Indonesia loses in the semifinal round, they can still secure an automatic spot for the remaining Asian quota in the third-place playoff. This match will bring together two teams who suffered defeats in the semifinal round.

Also read: If you beat South Korea, the U-23 Indonesian National Team will appear in France

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Indonesian player, Witan Sulaeman (left), passes the challenge of South Korean player, Kang Seongjin, during the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Friday (26/4/2024) early morning WIB.

This opportunity is interesting because Indonesia last qualified for the Olympics in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia. Indonesia almost qualified for the Montreal 1976 Olympics, but lost on penalties to North Korea in the final qualifying match.