Indonesia Coach Admits Misjudgment on Iran’s Strategic Set-Pieces

The Indonesia U-20 football team faced a challenging match against Iran in their AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025 opener, losing 3-0. Head coach Indra Sjafri expressed his team’s struggles, particularly in anticipating Iran’s set-pieces and corner kicks. This match highlighted key areas for improvement as Indonesia seeks to bounce back in their upcoming games.

In their first match of the tournament, Indonesia, who had previously been unbeaten in the qualifiers, demonstrated resilience but ultimately could not secure a goal. Despite a stronger performance in the second half, they were unable to convert opportunities, with Iran’s goalkeeper, Arsha Shakouri, proving to be a significant barrier.

“We did not play badly, but failed to anticipate Iran’s set-pieces and corner kicks,” said head coach Sjafri. “They are a good team, played a good game and had an advantage over us in their crossing and high balls. But on our part, we were weak in one-on-ones and failed to take advantage of our speed.”

This loss prompts several reflections on the match and the team’s strategy moving forward:

• Set-Piece Vulnerability: Indonesia’s inability to defend against set-pieces was a crucial factor in the match. Recognizing and addressing this weakness is essential for future games.
• Offensive Opportunities: Despite creating chances, Indonesia struggled to capitalize on them. Better finishing and decision-making in the final third are necessary for success.
• Defensive Strategy: The need for improved one-on-one defensive skills was evident. Strengthening this aspect of play can enhance the team’s overall performance.
• Speed Utilization: Indonesia’s speed was underutilized during the match. Developing plays that exploit their quickness can create more scoring opportunities.

In the upcoming matches, Indonesia will face Uzbekistan, which presents a new challenge. They must adjust their strategies and focus on the lessons learned from their encounter with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran will prepare for their next match against Yemen, aiming to build on their current momentum.

The AFC U-20 Asian Cup is a significant platform for young talents to showcase their skills and develop their game on an international stage. The performance in these matches not only influences the teams’ standings but also provides valuable experience for the players.

As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Indonesia adapts and learns from their initial setback. The team’s ability to regroup and implement changes will be crucial as they strive to advance in the competition.

In summary, while the match against Iran was a disappointment for the Indonesia U-20 football team, it also served as a learning experience. By addressing the highlighted weaknesses and focusing on their strengths, they can enhance their performance in the upcoming matches. The road ahead will require determination and strategic adjustments, but the potential for success remains within reach.