Korean Media Reveals the Cause of the Defeat of the Indonesian National Team in the U-23 Asian Cup

Seoul, Beritasatu,com – The progress of the U-23 Indonesian National Team to the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar was widely reported by the international media. Indonesia was successful after winning on penalties 11-10 (2-2) against South Korea in the quarter-finals which took place in Doha, Friday (26/4/2024) early morning WIB.

South Korean media also reported on the failure of their U-23 national team. South Korean news agency Yonhap even revealed the cause of their national team's defeat to Indonesia.

“For the first time in 40 years, Korea will not compete in the Olympic men's soccer tournament.” write Yonhap.

“The young Taegeuk fighters only have themselves to blame, after poor defensive efforts and a lack of discipline, proved detrimental in Thursday night's Asian qualifying tournament in Qatar,” he continued.

Korea must reach at least the semifinals to have a chance of extending their record of Olympic appearances to 10, dating back to the 1988 Games.

This year's U-23 Asian Cup is also the AFC's qualifier for the Paris Olympics. Only the top three teams, the two finalists and the winner of the third-place match, will earn tickets to Paris.

Meanwhile, the fourth ranked team will face Guinea in the playoffs later.

The South Korean U-23 national team coached by Hwang Sun-hong is considered by Yonhap to have played their worst match in the tournament at the most inopportune time against a team considered by experts to be underdogs. It was also stated that the Indonesian U-23 National Team was handled by the Korean coach, Shin Tae-yong.

“Indonesia controlled the game in the first half, taking a 7-1 lead in shot attempts while winning the battle in the midfield with effective pressing and gap control. “Their forwards showed some skill in making quick passes in tight areas to reduce Korea's pressure,” praised Korean media.