Iraq and Indonesia Battle for 2024 Paris Olympics Berth in AFC U23 Asian Cup Third-Place Playoff

Iraq's under-23 football team is set to facevsIndonesia in a high-stakes third-place playoff match at the 2024AFC U23 Asian Cupin Qatar on Thursday. The winner of this pivotal encounter will secure the third and final automatic berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making it a must-win for both nations.

The match, scheduled to take place at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, holds immense significance for Iraq, who are seeking their sixth Olympic appearance. Their last Olympic campaign was in 2016, and they are determined to make a triumphant return to the global stage. Indonesia, in contrast, has only participated in the Olympics once, back in 1956, before the tournament became a U23 affair.

Iraq's head coach, Radhi Shenaishil, is focused on relieving his team of the pressure they may have felt in their semi-final loss against Japan. "We are trying to reduce the pressure they may have felt, especially in the last game against Japan," Shenaishil stated. "We are trying to calm them down so they can play as usual... Our players are at their very peak and we do not want them to waste their chance and crucial for them to put in a good performance tomorrow."

However, Iraq will be without suspended defensive duo Mustafa Saadoun and Zaid Tahseen, who have played every minute of their campaign so far. Their absence could potentially leave gaps in Iraq's backline, which Indonesia will look to exploit.

Indonesia, led by coach Shin Tae-yong, is focusing on physical recovery after their grueling semi-final loss against Uzbekistan on Monday. "To be honest, we have had some difficulties in terms of (the players') fitness levels and we have been focusing on recovery," Shin admitted. "I think that tomorrow's result could be dependent on quick recovery and mental preparation of both teams. We need to focus on having a strong mentality and (having the) will to win against vs Iraq tomorrow."

Indonesia will also be without centre-backs Rizky Ridho and Justin Hubner, key components of their three-man defense. However, they will welcome back forward Rafael Struick from suspension, bolstering their attacking options.

Interestingly, Indonesia's coach Shin Tae-yong was unaware of his team's previous Olympic participation until recently. "I apologize for not being aware that the Indonesian team had previously competed in the Olympics," Shin admitted. "I just learned that Indonesia played in the Melbourne Olympics 68 years ago." In 1956, Indonesia secured their spot in Melbourne after Taiwan withdrew from qualifying in protest against a flag-related ban. Under coach Antun Pogacnik, the 1956 team put up a strong performance, managing to secure a draw against the eventual gold medalist, the Soviet Union, before facing a 4-0 defeat in their subsequent match.

The match unfolds, both teams will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of Olympic glory. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. For the losing team, there will be one last shot at redemption through a playoff against Guinea on May 9 in Paris. However, both Iraq and Indonesia will be fully focused on securing their spot in the Olympics with a victory in Doha.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two nations hungry for success. Will Iraq's experience and determination propel them to their sixth Olympic appearance? Or will Indonesia's resilience and unity help them aims for their second-ever Olympic berth? The answers will unfold on the pitch at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, as vs Iraq and Indonesia battle it out for the coveted third-place spot and a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq faces Indonesia in a high-stakes third-place playoff match at the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
• The winner secures the third and final automatic berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Iraq seeks its sixth Olympic appearance, while Indonesia aims for its second.
• Both teams will be without key players due to suspension and injury.
• The losing team will have a playoff against Guinea on May 9 for a last shot at Olympic qualification.