Jakarta, IO – Even though the Indonesian National Men’s Football Team (Timnas) was defeated by Iraq in the Group D match of the 2023 Asian Cup, there are three young players from the Garuda squad who are being widely talked about in the foreign media.
ESPN gave high praise to Indonesia. Coming to the 2023 Asian Cup with a squad with an average age of 23.8, the Red-White team is considered to have proven themselves worthy of taking part in the regional football tournament, per Detikcom, Tue (16/1).
“Even though they lost, Indonesia – and several bright young talents – proved themselves worthy of being in a big tournament,” said ESPN in its article. “Currently, there are shining talents in the Red-White team such as Marselino Ferdinand.”
According to Fbref, Maeselino also stood out among the Indonesian players. The KMSK Deinze FC player was recorded as being able to make five successful tackles. Apart from that, he is also the player with the most shots on target.
Apart from the one goal, Marselino also made Iraq worried with a shot that hit the crossbar. Together with Yakob Sayuri, Marselino recorded three shots.
Justin Hubner is the second player in the spotlight. The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC player carried out his function as an attack breaker well.
The 20-year-old player made four interceptions, the most among Indonesian players. He also made one crossing, was fouled once, and committed one foul.
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Ivar Jenner became the motor of the Indonesian attack. His passes allowed Yakob to send a mature assist which resulted in Indonesia’s equalizing goal in the 37th minute. The FC Utrecht FC player once made a successful tackle and also made an interception.
Indonesia will still have two more group matches against Vietnam and Japan. Indonesia is scheduled to play Vietnam at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Friday (19/1). The match will kick off at 9.30pm WIB. (rr)