Indra Sjafri’s Assessment After Indonesia Was Eliminated in the U-20 Asian Cup

CNN Indonesia

Wednesday, 08 Mar 2023 17:45 WIB

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

PSSI Technical Director Indra Sjafri discussed the failure Indonesian U-20 National Team advanced to the quarter-finals 2023 U-20 Asian Cup. He considered there was a good thing behind the failure.

The Indonesian national team failed to qualify for the quarter-finals after only winning a goalless draw against Uzbekistan. Even though they both collected four points, Indonesia lost head to head to Iraq. As a result, Iraq passed alongside Uzbekistan.

In Indra Sjafri’s view, the match against Iraq was a crucial point that influenced Indonesia’s fate in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.

“I think there were three chances in the match against Iraq, which you can see for yourself, if it’s a goal, I think the result will be different,” said Indra Sjafri.

Apart from these failures, Indra Sjafri sees that there has been a development in the quality of play of the U-20 Indonesian National Team from match to match in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.

“But I saw the U-20 National Team from the first, second and third match yesterday there was an increase in quality and tactical response which I think Coach Shin did differently,” said Indra Sjafri.

After failing to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup, the U-20 Indonesian National Team will be preparing to face the U-20 World Cup which will be held from 20 May.

That means Shin Tae Yong’s squad still has two months to prepare and improve the quality of the game.

“Almost all the players who were fielded, I think from one year they were prepared, I have quite high hopes.”

“Moreover later [di Piala Dunia U-20] Marcelino joined and three child players whose descendants have also completed the process (naturalization). I think it will be good,” said Indra.

Three players currently undergoing the naturalization process are Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, and Rafael Struick.

(ikw/ptr)