Doha. Indonesia's Asian Cup campaign is off to a shaky start with a 3-1 loss to Iraq, but Coach Shin Tae-yong still delivered on his promise of bringing an improved approach to the game. 
 
The Garuda Squad began defensively with a back line that would shift between three to five players. The Lions of Mesopotamia had some early chances with one being shut down by Indonesian defender Elkan Baggot in a perfectly-timed tackle. 
 
Indonesia's defense could not hold off for long as Iraq's Mohanad Ali scored the first goal of the match in the 17th minute.
 
The opening goal shifts the dynamic of the game. Under rising pressure, the Garuda squad occasionally breaks through into Iraq's half. Both Pratama Arhan and Yakob Sayuri delivered crosses into Iraq's penalty spot in the 24th and 26th minute, but the finishing touches were missing.
 
South Korean Coach Shin shifts the emphasis to the wings, with left and right wingers creating goal opportunities for the Garuda Squad. This approach was rewarded in the 36th minute when right winger Sayuri accelerates, nutmegs, and finally crosses to striker Marselino Ferdinan who calmly flicks it into Iraq's goal in the 37th minute.

With the game tied at 1-1, Indonesia is invigorated with a new confidence. Despite Iraq maintaining dominance in possession, the Garuda Squad creates more crosses, including a promising shot from Arhan in the 41st minute.  
 
In the final moments of the first half Iraqi midfielder Osamah Jabbar scores, making it 2-1 to Iraq. The goal was reviewed by VAR under suspicion of an offside violation. Despite pushback from the Indonesian players, the referee ultimately allowed the goal. Iraq leads 2-1 in the first half.
 
The opening of the second half saw Iraq's Amir Fouad score in the 50th minute, but the referee quickly disallowed the goal due to offside. 
 
Indonesia looks increasingly threatening in the second half with striker Rafael Struick creating several promising crosses into the box, however, Indonesia cannot seem to find the back of the goal. 
 
In the 75th minute, Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein controls and volleys a cross from the right, making the score 3-1 for Iraq. 
 
In the final moments of the game, Coach Shin substituted three players: Elkan Baggott, Ivar Jenner, and Rafael Struick for Marc Klok, Ricky Kambuaya, and Dimas Drajad. Despite these changes, Indonesia was unable to find its way back onto the scoresheet.

Many Indonesians may be disappointed with tonight's result, but Garuda fans still appreciate what tonight meant for the Indonesian game.

"We're in a tough group, so we don't think Indonesia will be able to make a huge impact," said Riski, a devout Garuda fan at a watchalong in Kopi Bajawa, South Jakarta.

"But for Indonesia to enter the AFC Cup after 16 years, we feel happy and proud. We hope this will be a good thing for Indonesian football," he added. 

Wildan, another fan who watched the game live, praised Coach Shin for his impact on the team. 

"Since his arrival, the national team's performance and organization have been much improved compared to the previous coach," he said. 
 
Fans are still hopeful that Indonesia could gain a point or three in their upcoming group-stage match against their rival, Vietnam. 
 
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. Indonesia is set to encounter Vietnam on Jan. 19, with the final group stage match scheduled against Japan on Jan. 24.