By: Artikel OSIS Sekolah Harapan Bangsa

In January 2024, the Garuda Troop made history in Qatar. Garuda Indonesia advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in history, a long-awaited achievement for the Indonesian people. Shin Tae Yong's team has become a new hope for Indonesia, as it had been 16 years since the country last stepped foot in the Asian Cup.
Garuda Asia's journey was not without its challenges. In the group phase, Marselino and his teammates faced a setback against Iraq, losing 1-3. Despite Iraq's status as the country with the second-lowest FIFA ranking, this defeat did not dampen their enthusiasm. They bounced back with an excellent performance against Vietnam, winning 1-0. Asnawi's goal gave the Red and White a glimmer of hope as they prepared to face the “Blue lock.”
The Indonesian national team then faced off against Japan, a match eagerly awaited by Indonesians. This was a significant step, considering that our national team usually competes against countries like Brunei, Timor Leste, and Thailand. However, the squad, strengthened by Elkan Baggot, Pratama Arhan, and others, was defeated by Japan 1-3. Despite the loss, the nation could be proud as one of its own, Sandy Walsh, managed to score against a strong Japanese team featuring top European club stars like Liverpool's Wataru Endo and Arsenal's Tomiyasu.
Despite losing two out of three matches, the Red and White advanced to the next round, securing the 3rd best position in their group. They faced “The Socceroos” and suffered a crushing defeat of 0-4 to Australia. Despite the result, they presented a magical and nearly flawless performance, showcasing a long-ball game and game strategy reminiscent of a top European club, a source of pride and admiration for all Indonesians.
Although the performance of “Garuda Asia” was excellent, it is important to remember that this achievement should not be excessively celebrated yet. There are still many areas that need improvement to make Indonesia's national team a feared contender in Asia and beyond.
Source:
– https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahraga/20240129075102-142-1055546/piala-asia-2023-awal-sebuah-era-timnas-indonesia/2
– https://bola.kompas.com/read/2024/01/29/05143078/apresiasi-untuk-perubahan-dan-perjuangan-indonesia-di-piala-asia-2023
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