After the quarter-finals ended early on April 27, the 2024 AFC U23 Championship has determined the four teams that will enter the semi-finals. They are U23 Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Japan and Iraq.
Among the four teams, U23 Indonesia is considered the dark horse of the tournament. In its first appearance at the AFC U23 Championship, U23 Indonesia advanced straight to the semi-finals. Along the way, U23 Indonesia impressed by defeating Australia, Jordan and South Korea.
By reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship, U23 Indonesia stands a chance to win a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. If they win the semi-final match against Uzbekistan, U23 Indonesia will have a ticket to the Olympics.
The remaining three teams in the semi-finals of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship all have quite a glorious history in this playground. U23 Uzbekistan, Iraq and Japan have all won the tournament. U23 Uzbekistan won in 2018. U23 Japan won in 2016, and Iraq was the champion in 2013.
Uzbekistan U23 has won all the matches so far at the 2024 AFC U23 Championship. In the quarter-finals, they just defeated defending champions Saudi Arabia. In the upcoming semi-finals, Uzbekistan U23 will have the opportunity to assert their strength when facing dark horse Indonesia.
However, Iraq and Japan cannot be underestimated. Japanese football has always been a force in Asia at any level. Although they entered the semi-finals of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship with many problems in their playing style, Japan U23 will be a big challenge for all opponents.
Meanwhile, U23 Iraq is the only West Asian representative in the semi-finals.
U23 Iraq is not really that strong but their playing style is too annoying. U23 Iraq can completely do something if the opponents are careless.
HA (Synthetic)