Indonesia's U-23 national football team pulled off a stunning upset on Thursday night, defeating South Korea 11-10 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. This victory puts them just one step away from qualifying for the Olympics for only the second time in their history.
The match was a seesaw battle, with Indonesia taking the lead twice through Rafael Struick, only to be pegged back by a Komang Teguh own goal and a Jeong Sang-bin strike for South Korea. The Koreans' hopes were further dashed when they were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute. However, they held on for a penalty shootout where Indonesia emerged victorious thanks to a decisive penalty from Pratama Arhan.
This win marks a significant moment for Indonesian football. The top three teams in the U-23 Asian Cup qualify for the Paris Olympics, and Indonesia is now in a prime position to achieve that feat. Their success is even more remarkable considering South Korea's status as tournament favorites and their unbroken streak of Olympic appearances since the 1980s.
Adding another layer to the story is the fact that Indonesia's head coach, Shin Tae-yong, is himself South Korean. His strategic guidance and the team's spirited performance effectively denied his home country a place in the Olympics. Indonesian football fans have taken to social media to celebrate their team's victory and Coach Shin's tactical prowess.
Indonesia can now dream of a return to the Olympic stage after their last appearance in 1956. Football commentator Mohamad Kusnaeni expressed his disbelief and excitement for the team's journey, highlighting their determination and resilience throughout the tournament. With the semifinals ahead, the Red and White squad has a strong chance to secure their place in Paris and make history.
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