Bola.net – The U-16 Indonesian National Team is considered to have the same DNA as the senior Indonesian National Team coached by Shin Tae-yong. All thanks to the existence of Nova Arianto.
The team nicknamed Garuda Muda did perform very well in Group A of the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup. The Indonesian U-16 national team was undefeated throughout the group phase. They collected nine points from the three matches they played.
What’s more special is that the Red and White squad managed to score 12 goals and only conceded once. The result led the Indonesian U-16 National Team to qualify for the semifinals with group champion status.
In the upcoming semifinals, the Indonesian U-16 National Team will meet the runner-up of Group B or the winner of Group C. This phase is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 1, 2024.
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Enjoy the Game
Josh Holong’s celebration after breaking through the Laos National Team’s goal, Thursday (27/6/2024) (c) Doc. PSSI
So, it is no wonder that Erwan Hendarwanto praised the performance of Putu Panji et al. on the field. Incidentally, Erwan never missed watching the Indonesian U-16 National Team match on television.
“For the U-16 Indonesian National Team, so far what I see is that they are a state asset that has great potential,” said Erwan Hendarwanto to Bola.com, Friday (28/6/2024).
“With the game model of coach Nova Arianto as done by the senior team, these young players are very good at playing the game scheme from the coach,” he continued.
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Spartan look
Indonesian U-16 National Team squad celebration at the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup (c) PSSI
According to Erwan Hendarwanto, individually and as a team, the Garuda Muda squad is quite united. This could be seen when the Indonesian U-16 National Team successfully destroyed Laos U-16. They also appeared spartan and enthusiastic until they finally made a comeback.
“Individually, units and teams are very coordinated and can play Spartan for 90 minutes with high intensity. Hopefully it can end with a championship title,” he explained.
“I think the most prominent thing about the Indonesian U-16 National Team, apart from the victory, is that they were able to play the game philosophy of the senior Indonesian National Team quite well,” continued Erwan Hendarwanto.
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Towards the Semifinals
Evandra Florasta’s action when defending the U-16 Indonesian National Team (c) PSSI
In the group stage, 12 participating countries are divided into three groups. Each group consists of four teams and plays in a single match half tournament format. Three group winners plus one runner-up team will advance to the semifinals.
In the knock out phase, two teams from the same group will be placed in different brackets. They will face the first place in another group, namely the group that does not have the best runner-up.
The Indonesian U-16 national team holds the status of defending champion in the AFF U-16 Cup. Two years ago, Garuda Muda lifted the trophy after winning 1-0 over Vietnam at the Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman (12/8/2022).
The 2024 AFF U-16 Cup will be held in Solo from June 21 to July 4, 2024. Manahan Stadium and Sriwedari Stadium are prepared as venues for the tournament with the official name of the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship.
Adapted from: Bola.com (Ana Dewi, Wiwig Prayugi) June 29, 2024
