4 interesting things in the semi-final match between U23 Indonesia and U23 Malaysia

This match will take place at 8pm on July 21 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta - FPT Play live coverage). U23 Indonesia is currently leading the group with 6 points, while U23 Malaysia is in second place with 3 points after 2 matches.

This match is not only a matter of honor between two rivals with many fates, the result of this match will determine the place of both teams to continue. Before that, this match had four interesting things, including: The head-to-head record is favorable for Malaysia, the defense is better for Indonesia, the host has a good record in the tournament and one match for Indonesia to continue.

Unfavorable head-to-head record of U23 Indonesia

U23 Indonesia has not had any positive head-to-head record against U23 Malaysia. In the last 5 encounters, the representative of the "island country" has only won 1, which was only a penalty shootout victory in the third place match of the 2011 SEA Games.

At the Southeast Asian U23 Championship, U23 Indonesia lost 1-2 in 2023 and drew 2-2 in 2019 against U23 Malaysia.

Indonesia quyết đấu Malaysia, 4 điều thú vị ở trận tranh vé bán kết U23 Đông Nam Á - Ảnh 2.

Indonesia U23 defense is more solid

However, in this year's tournament, U23 Indonesia has a more impressive defense. They kept a clean sheet against Brunei (won 8-0) and the Philippines (won 1-0). Meanwhile, Malaysia conceded in both matches, losing 0-2 to the Philippines and winning 7-1 against Brunei but still conceded 1 goal.

U23 Indonesia has only participated 3 times but won the championship in 2019 and was runner-up in 2023. On the contrary, U23 Malaysia has participated in the tournament 5 times but has never reached the final, the best achievement is only fourth place in 2005 and 2023.

Decisive battle, advantage for U23 Indonesia

Hosts Indonesia only need a draw to secure a place in the semi-finals. But if they lose, especially by more than 1 goal, they could lose their ticket to the next round. Coach Gerald Vanenburg's team must win at least 1 point to maintain their top position in the group with 6 points after 2 matches.

On the contrary, despite having 3 more points against the home team, U23 Malaysia is still not sure of advancing. Coach and his team must defeat U23 Indonesia by at least 3 goals to get a ticket to the knockout round.

This was an extremely difficult task, especially when they had to fight against the power of Garuda Muda and the pressure from the packed stands.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/indonesia-quyet-dau-malaysia-4-dieu-thu-vi-o-tran-tranh-ve-ban-ket-u23-dong-nam-a-196250721144010757.htm