Indonesia defeated Australia in the U23 Asian Cup

Qatar Goalkeeper Ernando saved a penalty kick and midfielder Komang headed in, helping Indonesia beat Australia 1-0 in the second match of Group A of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship on April 18.

In the 45th minute, Indonesia was awarded a corner kick. The Ferarri midfielder joined the attack, but was pressed and contested fiercely by the opponent, but still tried to head the ball back to the naturalized player Nathan Tjoe to volley. The ball flew to Komang and the midfielder headed it into the Australian net.

Hundreds of Indonesian fans in the stands of Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium burst into tears, hugging each other in celebration. They continuously sang and shouted, creating a passionate cheering sound from the beginning of the match and were rewarded with a goal in the last official minute of the first half.

Center back Komang scored the only goal to help Indonesia defeat Australia 1-0 on April 18. Photo: AFC

Before becoming a hero, midfielder Ferarri almost became Indonesia's villain in the 24th minute. He handled the ball in the penalty area after Toure's shot, forcing the home team to concede a penalty. However, goalkeeper Ernando saved Indonesia with a precise dive, successfully blocking Toure's shot.

Toure will have a lot to blame himself for after this match. Six minutes after missing the penalty, he had a solo effort, shot and was blocked by the opponent, while two teammates were in a very favorable position, signaling for the ball.

Goalkeeper Ernando flew to save Toure's penalty kick, helping Indonesia beat Australia at the AFC U23 Championship in Qatar on April 18. Photo: AFC

After losing 0-2 to host Qatar in the opening match, Indonesia was forced to beat Australia to avoid the risk of being eliminated early. Coach Shin Tae-yong decided to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-3. The team from the archipelago surrounded and fought fiercely for the ball in the middle of the field, then quickly switched to attacking, playing tit for tat with Australia.

After opening the score, in the second half, Indonesia switched to defense and counter-attack, concentrating a large number of troops in the penalty area and in front of the 16m50 area to block. Australia was stuck in front of the opponent's dense defensive wall. They tried to stuff the ball into the penalty area but goalkeeper Ernando played excellently, continuously blocking it successfully. Especially in the 88th minute, he punched the ball right over Alou Kuol's head, then jumped up to block Brook's powerful rebound.

In the entire second half, goalkeeper Ernando was unable to save only one shot, having to stand still and watch the ball in the 65th minute. However, Toure's header hit the crossbar.

Defeating Australia, Indonesia had their first victory in the U23 Asian tournament. Coach Shin Tae-yong's team also revived their chance to enter the quarter-finals, in the final round against Jordan. Meanwhile, Australia fell into a difficult position when they only got one point in the 0-0 draw with Jordan on the opening day. In the final match of the group stage, they will have to face the host Qatar.

Lam Thoa

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