Jakarta. Indonesia will take on Iraq in their first match of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar. Despite a recent defeat to the Lions of Mesopotamia, the Garuda Indonesia squad is confident they can deliver a better performance. The game will be aired on Monday at 21.30 WIB.
 
Indonesia met with Iraq last November for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, resulting in a 5-1 defeat for Indonesia. But South Korean Coach Shin Tae-yong assures fans that the Garuda squad has a different approach than their previous clash with Iraq. 

The coach cites a lack of preparation for the beat-down, a problem that he has addressed in the lead-up to tonight's match.

"We had traveled a long way and there was no time to prepare against Iraq, we admitted defeat. This time we will give a different performance. You can expect different things compared to the previous match," said Coach Shin at a press conference in Qatar on Sunday. 

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Iraq is ranked 63rd in the world while Indonesia is 146th, the second-lowest-ranked team in the tournament after Hong Kong.  

While Shin acknowledged that there is a significant ranking difference between the teams, he made it clear that he is optimistic about tonight's match.

"If you think that our performance level tomorrow will be the same as before. I would recommend reconsidering your opinion. This is not a warning, but I just want to say that," he said.

Indonesia is predicted to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, relying on the young talents of naturalized players Ivar Jenner and Justin Hubner to bolster the midfield. The squad is captained by Asnawi Mangkualam, who seemed confident at Sunday’s press conference.

“With all players in the best condition and ready to play optimally, we are ready to prove that the Indonesian team is not a weak team,” said the 24-year-old defender. 

Despite beating Indonesia two months ago, the Iraqi team is not underestimating the Garuda Squad.

"We don't think that this match will be easy. In Basra, we won because our defense was very strong. But the fact is, Indonesia could score one goal from their only chance to enter our penalty box. So, we have to be careful this time" said Iraqi midfielder Osama Rashid on Sunday.
 
The 2023 Asian Cup began on Jan. 12 and will conclude on Feb. 10, 2024. Indonesia is placed in Group D alongside Iraq, Japan, and Vietnam. Following the match against Iraq tonight, Indonesia is set to encounter Vietnam on Jan. 19, with the final group stage match scheduled against Japan on Jan. 24.