The semifinals are over, the Olympics and the next "Garuda Muda" target champion

I am confident that regardless of the opponent in the semifinals, we can present a competitive match. Our preparation towards the Olympics is going well.

The Garuda Muda became the only team that could defeat Australia in the group stage. This result caused Australia to fail in achieving their target to appear in Paris 2024.

Also read: Expressing Appreciation, President Calls U-23 Team's Achievement Historic

Next, it was South Korea's turn, which has always represented Asia in the Olympics since Seoul 1988, to acknowledge that Indonesia was able to break that extraordinary record. Not only did they win the penalty shoot-out 11-10, Shin Tae-yong's team also displayed a superior performance against the team nicknamed the "Taegeuk Army".

Indonesia created 21 shots, while South Korea could only release 8 shots. In terms of ball possession, Indonesia also excelled with 53 percent compared to 47 percent. A performance that proves the Garuda Muda squad has upgraded and deserves to be reckoned with in Asia.

Next, Indonesia will face the semifinal match against the winner of the duel between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. The match to compete for a ticket to the Paris Olympics will take place on Monday (April 29, 2024) at 9:00 PM WIB at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

General Chairman PSSI Erick Thohir, who accompanied and witnessed Indonesia's match directly since the final group phase game against Jordan, assessed that positive momentum is currently underway umbrella for Young Garuda. According to Erick, the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup is Indonesia's best opportunity to win a trophy on the Asian stage.

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

"The national team can advance to the semifinals, so it is very logical to set the next target as the final. It's time to achieve higher dreams," said Erick in a official statement on Friday.

It must be acknowledged that Erick's role is significant in achieving a positive momentum in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. He wrote letters and lobbied clubs that own players who have careers outside Indonesia.

Then, just before the match against South Korea, he brought about a more conducive atmosphere with the certainty of Shin's contract extension until December 2027.

This brings peace of mind to players about the future of Indonesia's national team. On the other hand, the disruption caused by foreign clubs, especially the South Korean national team, to repatriate Shin has completely vanished.

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

In a press conference after eliminating South Korea, Shin mentioned that he has not yet signed a new contract document. However, he and Erick have verbally committed to extending their tenure in Indonesia.

"Indonesian football is currently on the path of revival and growth. I'm confident that whoever our opponent is in the semifinals, we can present a competitive match. Our preparations for the Olympics are progressing well," said Shin, who handled South Korea in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.

Garuda Muda only needs one more victory in the remaining two matches of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup to become one of three representatives from Asia in Paris 2024. The Paris Olympics ticket belongs to the two winning teams of the semifinals and one winner of the third place match.

There is also an additional quota that Asian ambassadors have the opportunity to win. That was through an intercontinental playoff match against the African representative, Guinea.

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

Sure champion

Apart from Olympic tickets, Indonesia is also increasingly confident and self-confident in pursuing the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup title. The Indonesian goalkeeper, Ernando Ari, has not hesitated to mention his ambition to pursue the championship trophy. .

"Since the beginning, our target has been to become the champion. We will work hard to achieve that," said Ernando, who has won two player of the year awards in Indonesian competitions.

The Indonesian central defender and captain, Rizky Ridho said the same thing. The Persija Jakarta player said that the entire Garuda Muda squad had the ambition to achieve positive results in the next match.

Shin confidently considers the full-strength U-23 Indonesian team to have high-quality players as they aim to achieve success at the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup. He believes his main task is to inject spirit and motivation so that his young players can perform at their best.

Also read: No Compromise from STY for South Korea

"I think the confidence I injected into them was the key to us being able to go this far," said Shin.

If they are able to win again in the semifinal match, Indonesia will compete against one of the teams they faced in the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar last January. Japan has secured a ticket to the semifinals. "Blue Samurai" awaits the winner of the match between Iraq and Vietnam.

Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian representative who can reach the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup. They achieved this when they won the title of runner-up 2018 edition.

If Vietnam can beat Iraq, it will be the first time that there will be two ASEAN teams in an official Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournament in the modern era. Not only that, the all-ASEAN final battle is also open.