Indonesia defeated by Iran

Qatar Indonesia lost 0-5 to Iran in the final friendly match to prepare for the 2023 Asian Cup on the evening of January 9.

Indonesia started with the same lineup as the 1-2 loss to Libya on January 5. Coach Shin Tae-yong once again used a five-man defense, including three center backs Elkan Baggott, Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, right back Yakob Sayuri and left back Pratama Arhan. In the middle of the Indonesian midfield, two players playing in Europe, Ivar Jenner of FC Utrecht and Justin Hubner of Wolves, played together. Meanwhile, Marselino Ferdinan and Witan Sulaeman played as wingers to support center forward Rafael Struick.

Iran players celebrate a goal in a friendly match against Indonesia, 5-0 on the evening of January 9, at Al Rayyan Training Ground, Qatar. Photo: FN

After the early goal, Iran took full control. Meanwhile, Indonesia could only huddle together to defend. In the 21st and 35th minutes, midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi and striker Shahriyar Moghanlou increased the gap, helping Iran quickly decide the fate of the match.

In the middle of the first half, Iranian player Seyed Majid Hosseini had to leave the field due to injury. However, to test the home team's ability to play with one less player, coach Amir Ghalenoei did not add any players until the end of the half.

After the break, Iran made a full squad change. Indonesia still could not turn the situation around. In the 70th and 87th minutes, winger Mehdi Ghayedi scored a brace to give Iran a 5-0 victory.

This is Iran's 13th consecutive unbeaten match since the beginning of 2023 (11 wins and two draws). Meanwhile, Indonesia had to accept their third consecutive defeat, after losing to Libya 0-4 and 1-2.

At the Asian Cup, which began on January 12, Indonesia was in Group D with Iraq, Vietnam and Japan. In 2023, coach Shin Tae-yong's team lost to two of these three opponents: losing 0-2 to Vietnam in the AFF Cup semi-finals and losing 1-5 to Iraq in the World Cup qualifiers.

Iran are in Group C with the UAE, Hong Kong and Palestine. Along with Qatar, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, coach Amir Ghalenoei's team are one of the championship candidates. Iran won three consecutive Asian Cups in 1968, 1972 and 1976.

Thanh Quy

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