In the final match of the 2025 AFC U17 qualifiers, U17 Indonesia held U17 Australia to a 0-0 draw, thereby winning a ticket to the final round as one of the 5 best second-placed teams.
The scenario in which the team from the archipelago won the right to continue was similar to that of U17 Vietnam. Notably, for most of the second half, U17 Indonesia and U17 Australia did not actively attack, mostly just holding the ball and passing it back and forth on their home field.
This caused U17 Indonesia to be heavily criticized by fans of the archipelago, who said that this was a "very shameful" style of play.
In the face of negative comments from the audience, coach Nova Arianto admitted that he himself was not satisfied with the way his team played. However, the situation at that time was very unpredictable and that was the best way for Indonesia to win a ticket to the next round.
"As a coach, I feel very ashamed. However, this is something we have to accept. We are forced to play like this to advance. After the break, I heard that if we had a draw, we could have qualified. In the end, we did the same tactically," said the Indonesia U17 captain.
Mr. Nova Arianto added: "You can see that U17 Australia also plays like that. When they have the ball, they don't want to attack or put pressure. Honestly, I'm not interested in this match, but no matter how it goes, I'm very grateful to be able to qualify for the Asian finals.
I thank the players. We have been preparing for this campaign since February 2024. Right from the start of the selection process, we have made many plans for training, from Bali to Spain. Finally, we were rewarded with a ticket to the Asian tournament.
We still have a lot to improve on, but we feel proud and happy to have qualified."
Previously, Mr. Cristiano Roland - coach of U17 Vietnam also chose to protect his students after the controversial playing style: "I think my players are very smart, know how to handle the match, know what to do to achieve the goal of participating in the U17 Asian finals.
Our goal was to qualify. That was the most important thing. I am very happy and excited. From the first day, I always believed in the players and they really deserved this result."
