Indonesia’s Young Garuda footballers eye Olympic glory as U-23 Asian Cup run ignites national pride

The Young Garuda’s back-to-back victories sparked jubilation across Indonesia, which last featured on the global football stage at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where the team lost 4-0 to the Soviet Union in the quarter-finals.

On Monday night, as the Young Garuda squared off against Uzbekistan in the semi-finals, football fans across Indonesia erected big screens to watch the game together, in a tradition known locally as nobar.

Crowds also swarmed Jakarta’s main stadium, Gelora Bung Karno, where fans donned the red and white national jerseys, waved the country’s flags, and set up flares during the match.

But the fans’ excitement was dashed after Uzbekistan beat Indonesia 2-0 in a game marred by drama, including an offside goal by Indonesia, a red card for Indonesian defender Rizky Ridho, and an own goal that sealed the Central Asian nation’s victory.

“Uzbekistan was the stronger [team]. Congratulations to the Uzbekistan team. We still have a chance to play in the Olympics, so we have to have good preparation to qualify for the Olympics,” coach Shin said in a post-match briefing on Monday.

“I think before starting the game, we were a little nervous. Maybe this affects the team so we can’t play as well as usual.”

Despite the loss, fans expressed support for the team on Tuesday.

“Throughout the tournament, Uzbekistan has never lost and has never conceded. Throughout the tournament, Indonesia only lost due to red cards, referee decisions and unfriendly VAR. Chin up, young folks! Get up again for [winning the] third place. WE WILL REMAIN PROUD,” user @jerryarvino wrote on X.

Praise also came from the president, with Widodo urging the Young Garuda not to give up. “There is still hope for third place and the opportunity to enter the