History! Indonesian National Team Qualifies for U-23 Asian Cup Semifinals

Results Indonesia U-23 vs South Korea U-23 in the U-23 Asian Cup quarter-final match is already known. The Garuda Muda squad was surprisingly able to make history by qualifying for the semifinals for the first time after winning on penalties 11-10 after drawing 2-2 in 120 minutes of the match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Friday (26/4/2024) early WIB day.

Throughout the first half, Indonesia U-23 appeared quite dominant. Marselino Ferdinan et al were able to take seven kicks and three went towards the goal.

Of the three kicks that were aimed at the goal, two of them succeeded in shaking the South Korea U-23 goal. It was Rafael Struick, who scored both goals for Indonesia U-23’s lead.

Indonesia U-23 opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a goal scored by Struick with a curling kick from outside the penalty box. At the end of the first half, South Korea U-23 increasingly launched attacks.

South Korea U-23 finally managed to score the equalizer after their player’s header hit Komang Teguh, making it difficult for Ernando Ari to anticipate the ball. The score changed to 1-1.

Three minutes later, Indonesia U-23 was again ahead 2-1. Struick really is a serious threat to the opposing defense.

Starting from Ivar Jenner, Struick, who was closely guarded by the South Korean U-23 defender, was able to dribble the ball into the heart of the opponent’s defense before finally releasing a kick that outwitted the opponent’s goalkeeper.

Referring to the statistics in the first 45 minutes, South Korea U-23 was completely helpless. The reason is, they were only able to fire one kick and no shot on target.

Not only in terms of opportunities. South Korea U-23 also lost possession of the ball. Indonesia U-23 is ahead with a percentage of 52 percent compared to 48 percent.