Indonesian Supporters' Enthusiasm Remains Great, Ticket Rates for Iraq are Decreasing

Vidi revealed that the actual request for blocking tickets according to the list compiled by IFQ and Garuda Qatar—the group supporting the Indonesian national team in Qatar—was around 5,000 tickets. However, after coordinating with the tournament committee, the ticket provider, the request for 5,000 tickets could not be fulfilled.

Also read: Turn off Ali Jassim, Indonesia's chance of winning over Iraq increases

As a result, IFQ reduced the number of blocking ticket requests to only 2,500 tickets. However, that number was not approved because the availability of blocking tickets for Indonesian supporters was only 2,229 tickets.

"There also seems to be an influence on the number of Iraqi supporters, although the ticketing team (tournament committee) said that 80 percent of ticket buyers were Indonesian supporters," said Vidi.

blocking tickets is a method of purchasing match tickets coordinated by the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar together with IFQ and Garuda Qatar. The presence of this method is to facilitate Indonesian supporters who have problems purchasing tickets online via the Hayya application.

Compared to the match against Uzbekistan, the availability of blocking tickets for Indonesian fans has decreased drastically. Because, in the semifinals, Indonesian supporters received a quota of 4,455 tickets from direct sales to supporters.

Supporters' enthusiasm was not affected, but ticket quotas were reduced.

Even though the quota of blocking tickets for the third match has decreased drastically compared to the semifinals, this number is still more than the 2,019 tickets provided for the quarter-final game against South Korea.

Also read: "Young Garuda", Never End with Regret

The Performing Functionary of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar, Ali Murtado, added that the online ticket sales through Hayya for the match have been sold out since Tuesday (30/4/2024). The announcement that the tickets were sold out on Hayya was only about 30 minutes after the sales for the third place match were opened.

Ali ensures that maximum support will continue to be provided by the diaspora in Qatar. Cheers during the match as well as the presence of banners and other supporting attributes will once again adorn the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

"However, the weather prediction tonight will be drizzle or rain. "This is something that rarely happens in Qatar," said Ali.

Prepare a celebration

If Indonesia can defeat Iraq, they will secure the last Asian spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics. IFQ and Garuda Qatar are preparing to celebrate the success by gathering at Souq Waqif, an iconic area in Doha, after the match concludes.

"So far our plan is to go to Souq Waqif. "Materially, the players, God willingare confident (Indonesia will win)," said Vidi.

Also read: Praising the Spirit of the U-23 Team, the President is Optimistic that "Garuda Muda" Will Advance to the Paris Olympics

The presence of Indonesian supporters in every Garuda Muda team match at the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup is appreciated by all parties, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This is evident in the special video and review of Garuda Qatar on the AFC's website.

”Our fans are always the dominant force in the stadium. Watching our team, our people and our supporters in the stands is an incredible feeling," Vidi told AFC Media.

"It will be a dream come true, watching our team at the Paris Olympics," he added.

Apart from thousands of diaspora, Garuda Muda also received support from PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir who returned to Qatar via commercial flight, Wednesday (1/5/2024) evening. Erick also landed in Qatar, Thursday morning.

Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo has also been in Qatar. In the two days between matches for the Indonesian U-23 team, Dito underwent a working visit to Saudi Arabia.

Also read: Without Rizky Ridho, Indonesia U-23 Loses Big Against Iraq

He met with CEO of Al Nassr Club, Guido Feinga, and Deputy Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia, Bader al-Kadi. During the meeting with Al-Kadi, Dito received a commitment of support from Saudi Arabia for Indonesia's bid to host the U-20 World Cup in 2027.

Erick and Dito will join PSSI main officials who remain in Doha. They include Deputy Chairperson of PSSI Ratu Tisha and members of the PSSI Executive Committee, Arya Sinulingga and Muhammad.