Indonesians celebrated on Friday as their energetic men's team defeated South Korea in a dramatic penalty shootout in the U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals, moving them one step closer to qualifying for the Olympics for the second time in their history.
They defeated their Asian rivals 11-10 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in Doha on Thursday night.
The top three teams will qualify for this summer's Paris Olympics, while the fourth-place team will face Guinea in the Asia-Africa playoffs in May.
“Praise God, semi-finals! An unbelievable victory against the giants of Asia, South Korea,” Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) president Eric Tohir posted on Instagram.
“By playing with courage, being disciplined in defence, and playing effectively up front, the Red and White's Olympic hopes were wide open. I'm proud!”
Dutch club ADO Den Haag's winger Rafael Sturic scored twice for Indonesia, who were twice overtaken by an own goal from Koman Taeg and a goal from Jeong Sang-bin.
South Korea, one of the favorites to win, was down to 10 players by the 70th minute, but held out until the penalty shootout.
After Lee Kang-hee's spot kick was saved, Indonesia's Pratama Arhan converted the decisive penalty kick.
South Korea's loss meant they lost their Olympic berth for the first time since the 1980s.
What is noteworthy is that South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong led Indonesia to victory and prevented his home country from qualifying. His name was trending on social media site X early Friday morning.
After losing to the Soviet Union at the 1956 Australian Games, Indonesians are now excited about their overwhelming chance to compete in track and field's world show.
“(It) was more than I expected. I was speechless,” Indonesian soccer commentator Mohamad Kusnaeni told AFP.
“But as we already know, anything can happen. Our team had little experience at this level. But they fought hard and gave their best.”
On Thursday night, Japan defeated Qatar 4-2 in overtime, ending the hosts' chances. Meanwhile, the other quarter-final on Friday will see reigning champions Saudi Arabia take on Uzbekistan and Iraq take on Vietnam.
