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Indonesian soccer, led by coach Shin Tae-yong (54, photo), failed to secure a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics. Indonesia will make its last bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the intercontinental playoffs.

Asian Cup 1-2 upset loss to Iraq, Guinea and Intercontinental PO must win to go to Paris

Indonesia lost 1-2 in the third place match of the U-23 Asian Cup against Iraq held in Doha, Qatar on the 3rd. Indonesia took the lead with the first goal in the 19th minute of the first half, but allowed an equalizer eight minutes later. The two teams tied 1-1 in the first half and went into overtime, but Iraq scored a comeback goal in the 6th minute of extra time and held on until the end.

After the game, Coach Shin said, “The players looked tired and their stamina was low. He plans to focus only on regaining strength for two or three days. “I will make good use of the remaining opportunities to help Indonesia advance to the Olympic finals,” he said. 16 countries participated in this tournament, which also served as the Asian qualifier for the Paris Olympics, and the first to third placers receive direct tickets to the Paris Olympics. The fourth-place team will have to play in an intercontinental playoff with Africa's Guinea and win to advance to the Paris Olympics. Indonesia, which ranked 4th with the loss, will play a playoff game against Guinea in Paris, France on the 9th. Indonesia is attempting to participate in the Olympics for the first time in 68 years since the 1956 Melbourne Games.

Iraq will advance to the Olympic finals for the first time in eight years since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.