Iran's Classic Power Sinks "Young Garuda"

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Indonesia's chances of advancing further in the U-20 Asian Cup are not over despite a 0-3 defeat to Iran in the first match of Group C at the Youth Football Training Center Stadium in Shenzhen, China, on Thursday night (February 13, 2025). The "Young Garuda" failed to anticipate Iran's classic strength, which relied on cross passes and superiority in aerial duels.

Iran comes to the Asian Cup with a perfect record in the qualifying round. The team, coached by Hossein Abdi, won all three matches. In addition to securing three victories, Iran scored 17 goals without conceding a single one.

It is this performance that makes Iran one of the favorites to win. The well-organized gameplay, combined with tall and strong players who excel in aerial duels, also contributes to Iran's strength.

It was Iran's classic superiority that prevented Indonesia from achieving a positive result. Just five minutes into the match, Indonesia conceded a goal through the actions of defender Hesam Nafari, who scored by taking advantage of a corner kick situation. Hesam's movement escaped the attention of Indonesia's central defensive duo, Kadek Arel and Iqbal Gwijangge.

Not only relying on their physical advantage, the Iranian players were also very organized in narrowing the movement space of the Indonesian players. Iran's pressing game with a high defensive line made it difficult for the Indonesian players to develop their play.

The "Garuda Muda" had no choice but to release long balls targeting the space between the Iranian goalkeeper and defenders. This effort could easily be thwarted by the Iranian backline, which was ready to intercept the aerial balls.

Although under pressure, Indonesia is not without opportunities. Welber Jardim, who plays the role of a defensive midfielder, diligently moves up to assist in attacks while also creating opportunities. Additionally, the militant performance of Toni Firmansyah has led him to win ball possession several times.

The midfielder from the Persebaya Surabaya club also threatened Iran's goal with a long-range shot that was still able to be parried by Iran's goalkeeper, Arsha Shakouri. Throughout the match, Indonesia recorded 11 shots on goal.

In the second half, “Garuda Muda” began to feel comfortable playing and controlling the ball. This was partly because Iran, who was already ahead, no longer played too aggressively.

The situation had produced a golden opportunity for Indonesia through substitute player, Marselinus Ama Ola, who weaved his way past the Iranian defenders. Unfortunately, Marselinus' low kick from inside the penalty box was still thwarted by Arsha.

Dony Tri Pamungkas and his teammates also tried to put pressure by disrupting Iran's process in building attacks. However, often the process of pressing Iranian players who were in possession of the ball was not done collectively so that Indonesia's block pressure could be easily passed by Iran.

As the Indonesian players gained confidence to press the Iranian defense, Esmaeil Gholizadeh's goal in the 63rd minute shook Indonesia's efforts to score a reply. Iran's superiority in aerial duels played a role in Esmaeil's goal.

Being two goals behind affected the mentality and focus of the Indonesian players. Seven minutes later, it was Mobin Dehgan's turn to increase Iran's lead to three goals thanks to his header.

Hossein did try to optimize the classic strengths of the Iranian players. That is why he ordered his players to release many crosses. With the advantage of posture, the Iranian players had almost no trouble scoring goals through aerial duels. They were even able to win aerial balls when outnumbered in the Indonesian penalty box.

Throughout the match, Iran recorded 29 crosses. That number far surpassed the Indonesian players who only released seven crosses.

Only the top two teams qualify from the group stage. The defeat to Iran does not necessarily close Indonesia's path in the U-20 Asian Cup. Indonesia's chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals are still open, provided they can overcome Uzbekistan and Yemen in the next two matches.