Politics is Gone, It's Time to Celebrate the U-23 National Team

This, for example, occurred at a shop on Mangkurambang Street, Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan. There, supporters of Prabowo-Gibran cheered, while supporters of other presidential candidates simply smiled, albeit nervously.

Fortunately, the Constitutional Court's decision did not escalate the situation. The decision to uphold the status of Prabowo-Gibran is acceptable, including for Nopri Alceo (32) and Syahrul Mubarok (30).

Also read: Indonesia vs Uzbekistan

Infographic of Indonesian Team Statistics for U-23 Asian Cup 2-24

The two of them are known to often argue about the choice of presidential candidate. However, after the Constitutional Court's decision, the two did not argue too much.

They then returned to their respective homes carrying their own happiness and annoyance. Many of their colleagues thought that Nopri and Syahrul's argument had ended right then and there.

However, the debate is not over yet. Five days later, on Monday (29/4/2024) morning, they met again.

Arguments of opinion emerged again, even multidimensional. Starting from the science of "compatibility" between the anime country Konoha and Indonesia to fate.

However, this time, the political theme did not attract too many fans. There are more exciting things to discuss.

The people who were there were more interested in talking about Indonesia's hopes of flying high through the U-23 National Team. The national team is one step closer to realizing its dream of going to the Olympics. The Indonesian national team last appeared at the Olympics 68 years ago.

Nopri and Syahrul then became lost in the conversation. They have not forgotten Indonesia's heroic victory over South Korea.

Everyone hopes that Indonesia can achieve the same thing when facing Uzbekistan. One victory over Uzbekistan will make "Garuda Muda" appear in the Olympics, the biggest sports festival in the world. However, everyone is also aware that the struggle will not be easy.

Looking at the statistics, Uzbekistan is superior to Indonesia in the U-23 Asian Cup. Based on data compiled from the official AFC U-23 2024 website, Uzbekistan has already scored 12 goals and is the team with the highest goal productivity in the competition. Meanwhile, Indonesia has only scored seven goals, on par with other semifinalists, Iraq and Japan.

For shots fired, the Indonesian team has only made 59 shots throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has recorded 78 shots. In addition, Uzbekistan's accurate shots also excel with 29 shots, while Indonesia only scored 16 accurate shots.

Aside from being fierce in attacking, Uzbekistan is also strong in defense. This team has never been scored against. Their attacking and defensive strategies on paper are indeed very impressive.

However, currently, the winds from Asia are blowing towards Indonesia. Shin Tae-yong's team is currently like a soaring eagle. The Indonesian U-23 team is confident and brave in facing even the strongest opponents, including Uzbekistan in Qatar.

Separated by tens of thousands of kilometers, both Nopri and Syahrul are optimistic that Indonesia will win. This time, their choice is the same. Indonesia will definitely make it to the finals by defeating Uzbekistan. Unable to attend in Qatar, both will join a watch party to support from Palangka Raya.

"Yesterday I chose Prabowo, you were Anies, so where are we going now?" Nopri asked Syahrul.

"At the Big Roundabout, there are door prizes. Motorbikes too," said Syahrul. Syahrul, who also didn't want to debate any longer, made a suggestion.

Nopri smiled then grabbed it, "Come on, who knows, we might get a motorbike and then sell it for two."

"The important thing is that Indonesia wins, Nov. "If we reach the final, we are sure we will win," said Syahrul, greeted by Nopri's nod.

They then started the motorbike and left for the U-23 national team screening location at Palangkaraya's Bundaran Besar. The sharp differences that grew during the 2024 presidential election disappeared in an instant like the smoke from the motorbike that dispersed into the air.

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