Indonesia vs Uzbekistan: "Young Garuda" Has Difficulty Developing the Game in the First Half

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Uzbekistan took the initiative to press from the start of the match. Led by captain Abdurauf Buriev, Uzbekistan's players dominated ball possession by building attacks from the back.

The dominance of Uzbekistan in ball possession made it difficult for the "Garuda Muda" team to develop their game. The relentless pressure from Uzbekistan forced Indonesian players to apply a medium defense line while still maintaining width on the wings. Two wing backs, Fajar and Pratama Arhan, often dropped back to help defend and form a pattern of six defenders. This approach was effective enough in dampening the aggressiveness of Uzbekistan's game.

Responding to this, Uzbekistan coach Timur Kaladze instructed his players to apply overload tactics or increase the number of players on one side of the wing to lure Indonesian players to shift there. After the Indonesian players were lured to one side of the wing, the Uzbek players quickly changed the direction of attack (switch play) to the opposite direction.

The efforts of Uzbekistan were able to damage Indonesia's defensive shape several times. Uzbekistan attacker, Ulugbek Khosimov, was the most troublesome player for Indonesia's backline with his speed. Khosimov can shoot equally well with his left or right foot, so even though his position is facing away from Indonesia's goal, he can quickly turn and unleash a powerful shot.

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Fortunately, Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi was able to maintain his brilliant performance. The Persebaya Surabaya club player struggled to save his goal from the attack of Uzbekistan players.

As efforts to attack from all sides continue to strike Indonesia's defense wall, Uzbekistan is trying to lure Indonesian players out to press them. When the ball reaches the middle of the field, they return it to the goalkeeper.

Indonesian players were aware of the strategy, so they restrained themselves from pressing too hard to prevent spaces from opening behind the defenders that could be exploited by Uzbekistan's fast forwards.

Despite playing under pressure, Indonesia briefly had hope of scoring a goal when Witan Sulaeman was brought down near Uzbekistan's penalty box. However, Indonesia's hope of being awarded a penalty was dashed after referee Shen Yinhao reversed his decision following a review through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

After that momentum, Uzbekistan continued its domination. They threatened through Buriev, who took a hard long-range shot. However, his effort hit the Indonesia's goalpost.

Until the first half was over, Uzbekistan and Indonesia had not been able to break the deadlock. The 0-0 score remained until halftime.