AFC U-23 Asian Cup: Which Semifinalists are Favorites?

As the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup enters its final stretch, four teams have emerged as the prime contenders for the coveted title. The usual suspects Japan and Uzbekistan have lived up to their billing, while Iraq and surprise package Indonesia have defied the odds to secure their spots in the semifinals.

With an automatic berth at the Paris Olympics also on the line for the top three finishers, the stakes have never been higher. Let’s delve into each team’s prospects of going all the way:

Japan: The Consistent Heavyweights

As one of the traditional powerhouses of Asian football, Japan are the favorites on paper. Despite a blip against South Korea in the group stage and a hard-fought win over ten-man Qatar in the quarterfinals, their talent is undeniable.

Coach Go Oiwa’s frequent squad rotation has kept opponents guessing, with the likes of Kuryu Matsuki, Fuki Yamada, and top scorer Seiji Kimura leading the charge. The midfield duo of Joel Chima Fujita and Rihito Yamamoto has provided stability and control, allowing Japan’s attacking flair to flourish.

Although forward Mao Hosoya has been wasteful in front of goal, Japan’s depth and experience make them a formidable force. As the only nation to have previously won the U-23 Asian Cup (in 2016), they are well-equipped to become the tournament’s first two-time champions.

Uzbekistan: The Unstoppable Force

Uzbekistan have been the tournament’s form team, blazing a trail with four straight wins, 12 goals scored, and none conceded. Their strength in depth is the envy of their rivals, with Europe-based stars Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Abdukodir Khusanov leading the charge.

While Uzbekistan are no strangers to success at youth level, having won the 2018 U-23 Asian Cup and finished runners-up in 2022, they have yet to truly break into the upper echelon of Asian football. This tournament presents them with the perfect opportunity to announce their arrival on the big stage.

With 12 members of the current squad already exposed to senior international football, Uzbekistan’s focus on youth development is paying dividends. Their 12 goals have come from a spread of ten different scorers, making them an incredibly difficult proposition to contain.

Iraq: The Resilient Underdogs

Like their senior counterparts at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, Iraq have defied expectations to emerge as dark horses. After a slow start that saw them lose their opener to Thailand, they rallied to top Group C with a crucial win over Saudi Arabia.

In the quarterfinals, they edged past Vietnam – albeit via a contentious penalty – to continue their fairytale run. While they may lack the star power of some of their rivals, Iraq boast a handful of players plying their trade overseas, including talisman Ali Jassim.

Jassim’s explosiveness in the attacking third makes him a constant threat, capable of winning games single-handedly. If Iraq can maintain their resilience and togetherness, they could well spring a few more surprises.

Indonesia: The Fearless Debutants

In their maiden U-23 Asian Cup appearance, Indonesia have not only reached the semifinals but are also within touching distance of their first Olympic football appearance since 1938 (when they were known as the Dutch East Indies).

Their fearless approach has yielded stunning upsets over Australia, Jordan, and South Korea, with Marselino Ferdinan, Witan Sulaeman, and Rafael Struick forming a potent attacking trident. Coach Shin Tae-Yong deserves immense credit for revitalizing Indonesian football during his four-year tenure.

With 14 players in the squad already capped at senior level, including stalwarts like Marselino, Witan, and captain Rizky Ridho, Indonesia boast a level of experience that belies their underdog status. Their brand of free-flowing, attacking football has already captured the hearts of neutrals – could they go all the way and secure a historic Olympic berth?

As the semifinal clashes loom, the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup is delicately poised. Japan and Uzbekistan will fancy their chances, but Iraq and Indonesia have proven that they cannot be taken lightly. Regardless of the outcome, the future of Asian football looks bright with this crop of talented youngsters leading the way.