Indonesia vs Uzbekistan: "Young Garuda" Has Difficulty Developing the Game in the First Half
Uzbekistan appeared aggressive in the first half, limiting Indonesia's space to develop creativity.
This article has been translated using AI. See Original .
About AI Translated Article
Please note that this article was automatically translated using Microsoft Azure AI, Open AI, and Google Translation AI. We cannot ensure that the entire content is translated accurately. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, contact us at hotline@kompas.id, and we'll make every effort to address them. Thank you for your understanding.
By
I GUSTI AGUNG BAGUS ANGGA PUTRA
·3 minutes read
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Indonesia U-23 football team faced fierce resistance from Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup semifinal match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Monday (29/4/2024 ) evening WIB. Uzbekistan, who took the initiative to attack from the early minutes, was able to lock up Indonesia, making it difficult to develop the game.
Indonesian coach, Shin Tae-yong, made three changes to the starting lineup compared to the match against South Korea in the quarterfinals. The changes included the right-back position, with Ilham Rio Fahmi being replaced by Muhammad Fajar Fathur Rahman. Then, the striker position, which was penalized for accumulation of yellow cards, was replaced by Ramadhan Sananta. Meanwhile, the central defender position usually filled by Komang Teguh was handed over to Muhammad Ferarri.
Uzbekistan took the initiative to press from the start of the match. Led by captain Abdurauf Buriev, Uzbekistan's players dominated ball possession by building attacks from the back.
The dominance of Uzbekistan in ball possession made it difficult for the "Garuda Muda" team to develop their game. The relentless pressure from Uzbekistan forced Indonesian players to apply a medium defense line while still maintaining width on the wings. Two wing backs, Fajar and Pratama Arhan, often dropped back to help defend and form a pattern of six defenders. This approach was effective enough in dampening the aggressiveness of Uzbekistan's game.
Responding to this, Uzbekistan coach Timur Kaladze instructed his players to apply overload tactics or increase the number of players on one side of the wing to lure Indonesian players to shift there. After the Indonesian players were lured to one side of the wing, the Uzbek players quickly changed the direction of attack (switch play) to the opposite direction.
The efforts of Uzbekistan were able to damage Indonesia's defensive shape several times. Uzbekistan attacker, Ulugbek Khosimov, was the most troublesome player for Indonesia's backline with his speed. Khosimov can shoot equally well with his left or right foot, so even though his position is facing away from Indonesia's goal, he can quickly turn and unleash a powerful shot.
Fortunately, Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi was able to maintain his brilliant performance. The Persebaya Surabaya club player struggled to save his goal from the attack of Uzbekistan players.
As efforts to attack from all sides continue to strike Indonesia's defense wall, Uzbekistan is trying to lure Indonesian players out to press them. When the ball reaches the middle of the field, they return it to the goalkeeper.
Indonesian players were aware of the strategy, so they restrained themselves from pressing too hard to prevent spaces from opening behind the defenders that could be exploited by Uzbekistan's fast forwards.
Despite playing under pressure, Indonesia briefly had hope of scoring a goal when Witan Sulaeman was brought down near Uzbekistan's penalty box. However, Indonesia's hope of being awarded a penalty was dashed after referee Shen Yinhao reversed his decision following a review through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
After that momentum, Uzbekistan continued its domination. They threatened through Buriev, who took a hard long-range shot. However, his effort hit the Indonesia's goalpost.
Until the first half was over, Uzbekistan and Indonesia had not been able to break the deadlock. The 0-0 score remained until halftime.
Editor:
WISNU AJI DEWABRATA
Share
Kantor Redaksi
Menara Kompas Lantai 5, Jalan Palmerah Selatan 21, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, 10270.
Tlp.
+6221 5347 710
+6221 5347 720
+6221 5347 730
+6221 530 2200
Kantor Iklan
Menara Kompas Lantai 2, Jalan Palmerah Selatan 21, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, 10270.