Indonesia

No country at the tournament has been through more internal turmoil than Indonesia who failed to qualify for the last Asian Cup and were banned by Fifa from the one before because of government interference.

What to Expect

Indonesia are making a long overdue return having not reached the finals since co-hosting in 2007. Indonesia are the second-lowest ranked of all the teams and there appears little chance they can get out of the group for the first time.

They were thrashed 5-0 by Iran in their final warmup game and despite the enthusiasm for the game back home, recent results suggest a third win in their fifth Asian Cup campaign might be the best they can hope for. The game against arch-rivals Vietnam could be a tasty affair.

Manager – Shin Tae-yong 

Following the failure to qualify for the World Cup, Indonesia appointed South Korean Shin Tae-yong on a four-year contract to reinvigorate the side.

It was quite a coup since it was Shin who masterminded South Korea’s stunning 2-0 win over Germany that eliminated the then-defending champions from the 2018 World Cup.

The appointment immediately paid dividends with a high-pressing game and squad reshuffle resulting in qualification that included defeating Kuwait  for the first time in 42 years.

Star Players

Elkan Baggott (below), who plays as a centre-back for Ipswich Town in the English Championship, will provide valuable knowhow even though he’s only 21.

19-year-old attacking midfielder Marselino Ferdinan (below) is making eye-catching inroads in Belgium with Deinze.

Schedule

Indonesia vs Iraq, January 15,  Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, 2.30pm

Indonesia vs Vietnam, January 19, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, 2.30pm

Indonesia vs Japan, January 24, Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, 11.30am

Squad