Indonesia vs Uzbekistan, "Young Garuda" Must Chase the Opening Goal in the First Half

Uzbekistan looked flawless. Indonesia's chances of getting to the final will increase if it can take the lead in the first round.

AFC

Indonesian players Marselino Ferdinan (right) and Witan Sulaeman celebrate scoring a goal against Jordan in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup on April 21, 2024. They will again be the mainstays in the semifinal match against Uzbekistan on Monday (29/4/2024).

The Indonesian U-23 team is hunting for another historic victory when they face Uzbekistan in the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, Monday (29/4/2024) at 21.00 WIB, at Abdullah Stadium bin Khalifa, Doha, Qatar. In order to ensure that they become the first Asian ambassador at the 2024 Paris Olympics, "Young Garuda" must be able to score a superior goal in the first half.

The victories against Australia, Jordan, and South Korea are important assets that Indonesia can utilize to defeat Uzbekistan in order to appear in the final and advance to the Paris Olympics. Similar to those three games, Garuda Muda must chase the opening goal in the first half of the match.

The positive results achieved by Indonesia in reaching the semifinals cannot be separated from their superiority in the first half. In those three matches, Indonesia scored five goals before halftime. Two goals came from set-piece opportunities, then the other three goals were the result of open play created by Shin Tae-yong's children.

Also read: Finding out Rafael Struick's Ideal Replacement

The absence of main striker Rafael Struick has the potential to reduce Indonesia's attacking power in the semi-finals. Rafael scored two goals against South Korea and also ended the non-scoring record of the East Asian team, which was recorded in three group phase games.

Although his number of goals is equal to that of his two teammates, Marselino Ferdinand and Komang Teguh, Rafael is the Indonesian player with the highest quantity of shots alongside Marselino.

AFC

Marselino Ferdinan (left) tries to pass the obstacle of South Korean player, Cho Hyun-taek, in the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, early Friday morning (26/4/2024) WIB.

Both players have produced 12 shots or an average of three shots per game in Qatar 2024. However, the ADO Den Haag player has a better accuracy rate with six shots on target, while Marselino only had four shots aimed at the goal.

However, Rafael's absence can also make Indonesia's game more varied with the presence of substitute players deployed by Shin from the start. Without Rafael, Indonesia still has Marselino and Witan Sulaeman who are crucial and irreplaceable.

We have shown we can compete against anyone.

If Marselino becomes the most active player in taking shots, Witan is the Indonesian squad member with the best attacking creativity contribution. He recorded seven key passes, equivalent to midfielder Nathan Tjoe-A-On.

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

The good connection between Marselino and Witan could open up opportunities for other players to score against Uzbekistan's goal. If they can score first, it could shake the confidence of the White Wolves players who have not yet conceded a goal. This situation has also been experienced by South Korea in the quarter-finals.

"We have shown that we can compete against anyone," said Indonesian Coach Shin Tae-yong regarding his team's preparations ahead of the semifinal match.

AFC

Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong led his team against South Korea in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Asian Cup U-23 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Friday (26/4/2024) dawn Western Indonesian Time.

No exams yet

In the previous four matches, Uzbekistan seemed to have no equal opponent. Malaysia, Kuwait, and Vietnam - the opponents in the preliminary rounds - were not teams favored to speak much in the 2024 AFC U-23 Championship. In those three matches, Uzbekistan only faced one accurate shot on target when facing Vietnam.

The three opponents in the preliminary stage have not posed a significant challenge to the Uzbekistan defense led by Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev. The White Wolves defenders did not face significant obstacles in containing the counter attacks of those three teams that relied on individual actions and speed of their front players.

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

In the quarter-final match, Uzbekistan was also able to anticipate the attacks from the wings of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Uzbekistan was also able to frustrate Saudi Arabia's best player, Ayman Yahya, who was reinforced with a red card in the 70th minute. Saudi Arabia, who scored 10 goals in the group phase, was only able to produce one shot on target against Uzbekistan's goal.

This condition has made Indonesia need to optimize short ball passing games in front of the opposing goal, instead of relying on crosses. Because, the Uzbekistan defenders have good physical conditions that are utilized to perform one-on-one marking.

In addition, Indonesia must also perform perfectly when given the opportunity in Uzbekistan's penalty box. Garuda Muda's squad should not waste opportunities like they did in the second half against South Korea.

AFC

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

With Uzbekistan's high defense line, accurate long passes from Ivar Jenner or Rizky Ridho can also be an alternative option for creating opportunities towards the "White Wolves" goal. This method has proven to be effective in scoring goals against South Korea's goal and providing a threat to Australia's defense.

Midfield duo

In addition to their solid defense, Uzbekistan has not faced significant obstacles from their opponents in containing their attacks. They produce an average of 7.25 shots on target per game. That is the highest number among the four semifinalists of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

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

In order to be able to reduce Uzbekistan's dangerous attacks, Indonesia must be able to close the space for the midfield duo masterminding Uzbekistan's attack, namely the captain, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov, and the pivot, Diyor Kholmatov. Jaloliddinov, for example, has recorded two assists at Qatar 2024.

In addition, Jaloliddinov has also produced seven key passes. He is also the Uzbekistan player with the most attempts at nine shots.

AFC

Uzbekistan attacking midfielder, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov, challenged Saudi Arabian midfielder, Eid al-Muwallad, in the quarterfinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup on Friday (4/26/2024) at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.

Jaloliddinov's key pass statistics were only behind Kholmatov's nine key passes. Both of them also successfully produced six crosses.

Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze has watched Indonesia's matches. He admitted that Indonesia had shown that it could perform well against big Asian teams.

"We analyzed their games and prepared ourselves to face them based on the understanding we gained," said Kapadze as reported by the AFC website.

It is not surprising that the performance of the two key midfielders make it easier for the Uzbekistan forward players. Two Uzbekistan attackers, Khusayin Norchaev and Alisher Odilov, have each scored two goals.

The sharpness of Uzbekistan makes it forbidden for Indonesian defenders to make small mistakes that harm the team. Indonesia has only once played a scoreless game when facing Australia.

MEDIA PSSI

Indonesian goalkeeper, Ernando Ari, celebrated after saving the 12th penalty kick taken by Korea Selatan's Kang Hee-lee, during the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Ernando made two saves during the penalty shoot-out.

In the matches against Qatar, Jordan, and South Korea, Ernando Ari's goal shook due to the mistakes of the defenders in front of him. In the match against Qatar, Indonesia was penalized. Similar things also happened in the duel against Australia, but Ernando was able to save Mohamed Toure's penalty kick.

Then, Justin Hubner and Komang each scored an own goal when facing Jordan and South Korea, respectively. If this kind of defensive blunder is repeated, Uzbekistan could threaten Indonesia's chance of reaching the final match.

The three center-backs of Garuda Muda must present a disciplined and perfect performance to face the onslaught of Uzbekistan players. Indonesia has already defeated Australia and South Korea, now it's Uzbekistan's turn.

Make another history, Young Garuda!