Indonesian newspaper makes surprising prediction, U.23 Philippines can cause shock by eliminating SEA Games champion

CNN Indonesia continues to warn that coach Indra Sjafri and his team may face a big shock against the U.23 Philippines in their opening match at 6 p.m. on December 8, because they started late compared to their opponents at the 33rd SEA Games.

Why could a late start cause trouble for U.23 Indonesia?

In an analysis by writer Abdul Susila on CNN Indonesia on December 8, he warned: "In fact, U.23 Indonesia only gathered all its players about 5 days ago, and they practiced in Bangkok before arriving in Chiang Mai recently.

Coach Indra Sjafri's team has had very little time to prepare, with three key players of Dutch origin, Dion Markx, Mauro Zijlstra and Ivar Jenner, having only just arrived. They may not be affected by jet lag, but their connection with their teammates is still a question mark."

Striker Jens Raven, the number 1 hope of U.23 Indonesia at SEA Games 33, but he is currently out of form.

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

CNN Indonesia also assessed that, in many practical aspects, U.23 Indonesia is currently not in the best form. They have had 4 friendly matches before SEA Games 33, including 2 draws and 2 losses against U.23 teams India and Mali.

Then came a break of just training without the foreign naturalized players. Most of the U.23 Indonesian players who gathered before the 33rd SEA Games played domestically, but some lost their form, such as the 1.87m tall striker Jens Raven.

The match is broadcast onFPT Play, HTV, VTV, VTVgo, VTC, THVL, Mytivi, VTVcab...

While the number 1 hope, attacking star Marselino Ferdinan, considered the heart of U.23 Indonesia, was absent at the last minute due to injury. Coach Indra Sjafri called up little-known player Rifqi Ray to replace him.

Besides, playing the latest match compared to all opponents will also be a huge pressure on coach Indra Sjafri and his team. For this reason, U.23 Indonesia initially thought it would have an easy opening match. However, in reality, it is not easy to breathe at all, as they are about to face an opponent, U.23 Philippines, who suddenly became extremely strong and versatile.

The young Azkals have in their squad many experienced players who have played for the Philippine national team, such as star player Sandro Reyes, players Dylan Dmuynck, Javier Mariona, Santiago Runlico and Otu Banatao, creating solidity for the team.

U.23 Philippines has proven its strength with the opening match, convincingly defeating the tough opponent U.23 Myanmar with a score of 2-0. They are in great spirits, and are determined to defeat U.23 Indonesia to get a ticket to the semi-finals as the top team in Group C.

U.23 Philippines can upset all plans of U.23 Vietnam (red shirt), U.23 Thailand and U.23 Indonesia.

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

Also according to CNN Indonesia: "Of the 23 U.23 Philippines players participating in the 33rd SEA Games, 14 have played abroad. Although they have not played for major teams, their quality is considered a significant strength.

Most notable is midfielder Sandro Reyes, who plays for the fourth-tier club in Germany, FC Gutersloh. Sandro Reyes played very prominently at the AFF Cup 2024, having appeared in every Philippine youth team from U.14 to professional level and has so far made 25 appearances for the national team, scoring 4 goals.

In addition, the U.23 Philippines also has another player who can shock the U.23 Indonesia, that is midfielder Javier Mariona, a player who used to play for the U.20 El Salvador team, before choosing to play for his mother's homeland. This player's father is from El Salvador, but he was born in the US.

"The U.23 Philippines is showing great ambition at the 33rd SEA Games. They are ready to shock the SEA Games champions, U.23 Indonesia, right from the group stage. Thereby, they can upset all the plans of other opponents in the semi-finals, including the host U.23 Thailand and the number 1 candidate for the gold medal, U.23 Vietnam. U.23 Indonesia will have to be very careful, otherwise, their chance to defend the gold medal will soon end in the group stage," CNN Indonesia warned.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-indonesia-du-bao-bat-ngo-u23-philippines-co-the-gay-soc-loai-nha-vo-dich-sea-games-185251208101419425.htm