Even though it is difficult, Indonesia is believed to be able to conquer Iraq

Indonesia U-23 is considered capable of overcoming Iraq U-23 for third place in the Qatar U-23 Asian Cup in order to qualify for the Olympics.

Indonesian players pose for a photo ahead of the semifinal match of the 2024 Asia U-23 Cup between Indonesia and Uzbekistan at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Monday (29/4/2024) night. Indonesia lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan.

SURABAYA, KOMPAS - The Indonesian U-23 football team should be prepared and confident when facing the Iraqi U-23 team in the battle for third place in the 2024 Asian U-23 Cup in Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Thursday (2/5/2024).

The residents of Surabaya, East Java, are quite confident in the abilities of the team coached by Shin Tae-yong, who have debutant status. Even though they were appearing for the first time, Indonesia was able to surprise in the tournament. In Group A, Indonesia lost 0-2 to Qatar, then won 1-0 over Australia and won 4-1 over Jordan.

Also read: U-23 National Team and the Golden Generation of Indonesian Football

The surprise continued in the quarter-finals with a 10-11 penalty shootout win over South Korea. Penalty shootout after the two teams drew 2-2 in normal time. Surprise Garuda Muda stopped in the semifinals due to losing 0-2 to Uzbekistan at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Monday (29/4/2024) evening.

In this tournament, which has been held since 2013, Iraq played Group C by losing 0-2 to Thailand, winning 4-2 over Tajikistan, and winning 2-1 over Saudi Arabia. In the quarter-finals, Radhi Shenaishil's team won 1-0 over Vietnam. The move ”Young Lions of Mesopotamia” stopped in the semifinals after losing 0-2 to Japan.

AFC

Indonesian winger, Kelly Sroyer, is preparing to kick the ball in the preliminary round of the U-23 Asia Cup against Australia on Thursday (18/4/2024), at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar.

"Iraq, in my opinion, is not as strong as Uzbekistan," said Vecga Septian Pravangasta from Bonek Writers Forum in Surabaya on Tuesday (30/4/2024). However, Indonesia will not have their captain Rizky Ridho for the upcoming match against Iraq. This center-back received a red card in the match against Uzbekistan.

Of the six matches in the tournament, Ridho (Persija Jakarta) has been irreplaceable. "The space left by Ridho can be filled by someone else and I'm sure STY (Shin Tae-yong) has anticipated it," said Vecga, an employee at the Class 1 Railway Technical Office in Surabaya.

Also read: Defeated by Uzbekistan, Indonesia U-23's chances of going to the Paris Olympics are still open

According to Vecga, Indonesia's relatively futile attack against Uzbekistan was due to the absence of striker Rafael Struick. Against the Young Lions of Mesopotamia, Struick (ADO Den Haag) can return to play after being cleared of a yellow card accumulation penalty. "In addition, Indonesia must play with determination and high discipline like Uzbekistan," he said.

Similarly, stated by Luqman Arif from BigReds Surabaya, Indonesia has the opportunity to defeat Iraq based on the match journey at the tournament. Iraq lost to Thailand and narrowly won against Vietnam, both Southeast Asian teams faced by Indonesia alternately. Furthermore, Iraq is like Indonesia because they were unable to overcome Japan's pressure in the semifinals.

AFC

Indonesian U-23 coach Shin Tae-yong gave instructions to his team during the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup against South Korea on Friday (26/4/2024) at Abdullah bin Khalifa stadium in Doha, Qatar.

However, according to Luqman, overconfidence should be avoided. At the U-23 level, Iraq is highly experienced and holds the champion title of the 2013 inaugural edition as well as the third position in the 2016 edition. The Mesopotamia Young Lions have also qualified for the Olympic Games five times, with their best achievement being fourth place in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"In the national team, Iraq has met Indonesia several times, so its strength is not unfamiliar," said Luqman, the Public Relations Manager of Operational Region 8 in Surabaya for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero).

If Indonesia defeats Iraq, one spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics will belong to Indonesia. If achieved, it will be a surprise as Indonesia is a debutant like in the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.

At the senior level, Indonesia has faced Iraq seven times, but has never won. The first meeting ended in a series of 1-1 in the 1973 World Cup qualification. The following six matches, including a 0-2 loss in the 2013 Asia Cup, a 1-5 defeat in the 2023 World Cup qualification, and a 1-3 loss in the 2024 Asia Cup.

Also read: Come on, fly again "Young Garuda"

General Chair of the Indonesian National Team Supporters Association, Ignatius Indro, said that if they win over Iraq, a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics will belong to Indonesia. If it happens, it will be a surprise because Indonesia is a debutant like in the Qatar U-23 Asian Cup.

If you lose, the opportunity to go to the Olympics is still open. However, Young Garuda must win over Guinea (Africa) in the playoffs. For Guinea's strength, Indonesia has no experience, aka dark. Thus, the match against Iraq, although tough, is Indonesia's best opportunity to qualify for the Olympics as a debutant. "Whatever the results, the community should be proud of Garuda Muda's achievements," said Indro.