Indonesia has been swept by a wave of euphoria in recent weeks, sparked by the sensational performance of its junior football team at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.
The impressive success of the Garuda Muda team, beating pre-tournament favorites like Australia, Jordan and South Korea to enter the semi-finals for the first time, has sent shockwaves through the Asian football world, putting Indonesia in the spotlight.
The semifinal loss to Uzbekistan, despite some questionable calls, on Monday and Iraq’s third round playoff loss on Thursday provided valuable experience. The team played with heart, making the fans and the nation very proud.
While a win against Uzbekistan or Iraq will surely secure a ticket to the Olympics in Paris this summer, Indonesia will now face a match against African representative Guinea on May 9 for the last place in Paris. Indonesia last played football in the Olympics in 1956, where they lost to the Soviet Union in the quarter-finals.
The newfound enthusiasm, evident in the crowds watching the live broadcasts, is known locally. Nobar, from the national team play, not only the rapid rise of emotions. It reflects a strong desire for the revival of Indonesian football, a sport that has long held a special place in the hearts of the country’s citizens.
The exploits of the U-23 team have become a beacon of hope, fueling the belief that Indonesia can once again compete among Asia’s football elite and strive for a place on the world stage.
The euphoria of football in Indonesia now consists of several factors.