Rafael Struick Selected as Future Star for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup
Rafael Struick was selected as a future star in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. (PSSI Doc)
-- The Indonesian U-23 national team player Rafael Struick was selected as a future young star in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. The award was received through a poll or vote from supporters.
"Announcing Rafael Struick as the future star chosen by fans in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup," wrote the official Asian Cup Instagram account, Friday (10/5).
Rafael Struick's second goal against South Korea was showcased in the announcement. He is considered to be one of the keys to the success of the U-23 Indonesian National Team in advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
The 21 year old striker contributed two goals for Indonesia. All goals were scored in the match against South Korea in the quarter-finals.
Struick defeated five other candidates such as Mao Hosoya (Japan), Khusain Norchaev (Uzbekistan), Ali Jasim (Iraq), Abdullah Radif (Saudi Arabia), and Ahmed Al Rawi (Qatar).
As debutants, Indonesia made a surprising record by qualifying for the semifinals and finishing in fourth place in the tournament. Being in a tough group against Qatar, Australia and Jordan, Shin Tae Yong's team was able to escape the trap of the big teams as runners up in Group A.
The Garuda Muda squad won again against South Korea through a penalty shootout. However, in the semifinals, Indonesia lost to Uzbekistan in the last four and then Iraq in the race for third place.
Indonesia's achievement in the U-23 Asian Cup was one of the best. Apart from the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2013, Indonesia was the only non-host debutant to reach fourth place.