Indonesia lost 1-0 to South Korea at Gelora Delta Stadium on 9/9, failing to qualify for the 2026 U23 Asian Cup. Despite holding their own against a strong opponent, defensive errors and an ineffective attack led to their defeat.

Following the match, the team faced immediate criticism from the media and public. CNN Indonesia ran the headline, "From near Olympic qualification to failing to reach the U23 Asian Cup finals".

Indonesia (in white) lost 1-0 to South Korea (in red) in the final match of Group J of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia on 9/9/2025. Photo: Bola

Suara echoed similar sentiments, stating, "The U23 Indonesia team's journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster ride, from the high of reaching the 2024 U23 Asian Cup semi-finals to the crushing low of failing to qualify for the 2026 tournament."

As hosts, Indonesia only managed a 5-0 victory against Macau, the weakest team in the group. Their disappointing 0-0 draw against Laos in the opening match put them at a disadvantage going into the decisive game against South Korea.

Leading Indonesian football publication Bola identified three key reasons for the loss to South Korea, all familiar problems: an early lapse in concentration leading to the sixth-minute goal, a steady first-half performance followed by a loss of control and hurried attacks in the second half, and a "very poor" attack that failed to convert any of their seven shots on target.

2025 AFF U-23 Championship top scorer Jens Raven (#9) playing in Indonesia's 0-0 draw against Laos in the opening match of Group J of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia on 3/9/2025. Photo: Bola

This marks Dutch coach Gerald Vanenburg’s second consecutive defeat, following the loss to Vietnam in the final of the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship. Suara commented, "The public is beginning to question Vanenburg’s future. The team that was once a source of pride and hope now looks dull and disorganized."

Meanwhile, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir praised the team’s ability to utilize various formations within a match. He acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized South Korea's strength in Asia.

"We lost with honor," Thohir stated after the match. "But I will request a review of everything, including today's result and preparations for the future."

Vanenburg attributed the players' struggles to poor fitness after the 60th minute and limited playing time at the club level. He compared this to the South Korean team, which boasts better physicality and many players with regular experience in K-League 1, K-League 2, and reserve team matches.

Vanenburg stressed the need for a league where young Indonesian players can compete weekly. "The first issue to discuss is the physical aspect," he said. "Secondly, when they return to their clubs, they must play regularly to be ready for a tournament like the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers."

Coach Gerald Vanenburg during Indonesia's 1-0 loss to South Korea in the final match of Group J of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia on 9/9/2025. Photo: Bola

Vanenburg has also faced comparisons to his predecessor, Shin Tae-yong, who led Indonesia to fourth place in the 2024 U23 Asian Cup. However, Vanenburg pointed out that his predecessor had more advantages. "It’s difficult to compare the two periods. The most obvious difference is that we only had five days of training before the tournament," Vanenburg explained. "Shin Tae-yong's team had been together for a long time and could train together for two to three months."

Shin's U23 generation was also more talented and regularly played for the national team, including players like Marselino Ferdinand, Rizky Ridho, and Ernando Ari. They were further strengthened by quality Dutch-Indonesian players like Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, and Ivar Jenner. While Ferdinand, Hubner, and Jenner were still eligible for this tournament, they did not join the squad. Meanwhile, Struick's performance declined due to limited playing time at the club level.

Trung Thu