The Young Garuda topped Group C with a maximum of nine points, scoring seven and conceding one to finish at the top three points clear of second-placed Korea Republic.
Their journey to the knockout stage, however, made for a bumpy ride. They needed a spot-kick rebound from Evandra Florasta two minutes into time added on to stun two-time champions Korea Republic 1-0 in their first match.
Florasta also scored in the 87th and 89th minutes to seal their 4-1 win over Yemen, which secured them a place in the knockout stage and automatic entry to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
And in their 2-1 win over Afghanistan, the 1990 semi-finalist netted both their goals in the fifth and sixth minutes of time added on to come out with an unblemished record.
Head coach Nova Arianto said his players had learned from adapting to their opponents, and would use their newfound knowledge to take on DPR Korea.
“All our opponents displayed different characteristics,” he said. “Afghanistan’s game was different from Yemen and Yemen from Korea Republic. And although the outcome was sometimes not what I wanted, I’m grateful that my players tried to perform optimally.“
Nova, who became the first Indonesian coach to take the national U17 team to the FIFA World Cup via qualification, said his team would continue to remain competitive in the last eight.
“I’m not thinking too much about our World Cup qualification or that we emerged group winners. I just want the players to always stay focused, game by game.”
DPR Korea finished runners-up behind Tajikistan in Group D, slipping from pole position when they drew 2-2 with Oman in their last match. The two-time champions had played out a 1-1 stalemate with Islamic Republic of Iran in their opener but displayed standout form in dispatching Tajikistan 3-0 in their second.
Head coach O Thae Song said while DPR Korea have not played Indonesia, they are familiar with their style of play.
“Their style of play comprises a solid defense and a deadly, effective offense,” he said. “We will have to weaken their advantages and to capitalise on their weaknesses.”
DPR Korea would need to improve on their attacking line, Song said, but were all set for their showdown.
“As we have achieved our first goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, our team’s morale is very high. There is still a long way to go, however, and we will need to concentrate fully in every game we play.”
