Bola.net – The Indonesian U-23 National Team had to acknowledge the superiority of the Iraqi U-23 National Team in the race for third place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. In the match which was held at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Thursday (02/05), Garuda Muda had to suffer defeat. 1-2.
Indonesia took the lead through Ivar Jenner’s kick in the 19th minute, before being equalized by Zaid Tahseen eight minutes later. The draw remained until normal time ran out. As a result, the match continued into extra time.
In the 96th minute, Iraq finally sealed the win through Ali Jasim. This position lasted until the match was over.
Even though they lost, it doesn’t mean that Indonesia performed badly in this match. There were a number of Indonesian players who performed relatively well in this match.
Nathan Tjoe-A-On was one of the players who performed well in that match. Playing in midfield, Nathan directly maintains the depth of Garuda Muda’s game.
Apart from Nathan, there were a number of other players who performed quite well in this match against Iraq. Who are these players? Here are four of them.
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Marselino Ferdinand
Marselino Ferdinan’s action in the Iraq U-23 vs Indonesia U-23 match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Thursday (2/5/2024). (c) PSSI
The first name on the list of the four best Indonesian U-23 players in the match against Iraq is Marselino Ferdinan. The 19 year old midfielder again showed an explosive performance in this match.
Ferdinand did not score a goal in this match. Of the five shots fired, only one was on target. However, the KMSK Deinze player was able to score two key passes, the most among other Indonesian U-23 players in this match.
Marselino’s role is also quite prominent in terms of helping the defense. Playing in a forward position does not make Ferdinand lazy in trying to win the ball from his opponent. In this match, he recorded four tackles and one sweep to break the opponent’s attack.
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Justin Hubner
Justin Hubner’s action in the Indonesia vs Vietnam national team match on matchday 3 of Group F 2026 World Cup Qualification at SUGBK, Thursday (21/03/2024). (c) Bola.net/Bagaskara Lazuardi
The absence of Rizky Ridho makes Hubner the pillar of the Indonesian U-23 back line in this match. His toughness in the Garuda Muda defense made him included in the list of the four best Indonesian U-23 players in the match against Iraq.
Regardless of the blunders he made, in this match, Hubner worked hard at the heart of the Indonesia U-23 defense. He recorded three tackles, nine passes, one block and two interceptions to thwart opposing attacks. Apart from that, Hubner also recorded seven successful duels against opposing players.
Hubner is also quite diligent in helping with attacks. It was recorded that he had fired three shots, one of which was aimed straight at the opponent’s goal.
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Nathan Tjoe-A-On
Nathan Tjoe-A-On’s action to defend the Indonesian U-23 National Team, in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup match versus Jordan U-23, Sunday (21/4/2024). (c) Doc. AFC
Nathan was one of Indonesia’s U-23 midfield motorbikes in the match against Iraq. This 23 year old player appeared spartan in maintaining depth in Garuda Muda’s defense.
Nathan recorded three tackles, two clearances, two blocks and two interceptions to break the flow of the opponent’s attack. One of these three sweeps was very crucial, preventing Garuda Muda’s goal from conceding more goals in this match.
Not only is he strong in defense, Nathan is also diligent in helping Garuda Muda’s attacks. He recorded four successful crosses and one key pass in this match.
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Ivar Jenner
Ivar Jenner’s action in the Iraq U-23 vs Indonesia U-23 match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Thursday (02/05/2024). (c) PSSI
The last name on the list of the four best Indonesian U-23 players in the match against Iraq is Ivar Jenner. This 22 year old player is Nathan’s duet partner in the Garuda Muda engine room.
Jenner was Indonesia’s sole goal scorer in this match. This goal was the result of two kicks he fired in that match. Apart from that, Jenner also recorded one key pass in this match.
Apart from that, Jenner also appeared trendy to help Garuda Muda’s defense. He recorded two tackles, one clearance, one block and one interception.
(Bola.net/Dendy Gandakusumah)