Jakarta. The Indonesia U-23 national football team is on the verge of securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics after the Young Garuda squad advanced to the semi-finals of the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.

In the quarter-final match, held at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Thursday (early Friday in Jakarta time), the Indonesia U-23 national team defeated South Korea in a penalty shootout, winning 11-10 after the match ended 2-2 following 120 minutes of play.

The U-23 Asian Cup also serves as the AFC qualification tournament for the Paris Olympics. The top three teams, including the finalists and the winner of the third-place play-off, will earn a spot in the Olympics. Meanwhile, the fourth-placed team will face Guinea in an intercontinental play-off.

With South Korea's nine consecutive Olympic appearances in men's football coming to an end after failing to reach the semi-finals, the Indonesia U-23 national team has a chance to make history by competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This can be achieved if Marselino Ferdinan and his teammates finish in the top three in the Qatar Asian Cup.

Indonesia U-23 forward Rafael Struick attributed the victory over South Korea to the team's performance.

"It's incredible. This was an extraordinary match. We were leading, but then it became 2-2, and finally, we won in a dramatic penalty shootout," said Rafael Struick after the match.

"This victory is thanks to the teamwork of the entire team, including the coach, and also the support of all Indonesian supporters," added the ADO Den Haag striker from the Dutch League.

During regular time, Struick scored two goals in the 15th minute and in first-half injury time.

South Korea equalized through an own goal by Komang Teguh in the 45th minute and Jeong Sang-bin in the 84th minute.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir expressed his gratitude and pride for the Indonesia national team's outstanding success in reaching the semi-finals of the U-23 Asian Cup.

According to Erick, the Garuda Muda team deserves to be celebrated as a new chapter in Indonesian football history for bringing pride to the nation. Especially since this achievement was obtained through extra time and a penalty shootout.

"Praise be to God. I am grateful to the Almighty and proud of the players, coaches, officials, and the entire national team who played exceptionally well and continue to make history for Indonesian football. This golden generation of young footballers has fought with high spirits and a strong mentality and given their best for Indonesia. Thank you," said Erick Thohir, who witnessed the victory firsthand.

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