The Indonesian U-23 National Team’s slick performance tamed Australia U-23 with a score of 1-0 in the second match of Group A for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, receiving high praise from Raja Isa Raja Akram Shah.
In the eyes of observers from Malaysia, Shin Tae-yong’s troops appeared almost flawless.
“Indonesia has all the capital, both physically, mentally and tactically. There are small mistakes, but that’s normal. But overall I see Indonesia’s performance as almost perfect,” he said.
The figure who has been involved in Indonesian clubs for a long time believes that the U-23 Indonesian National Team is not nervous about facing Australia, which is clearly the favorite in this match.
“From the first minute, Indonesia pressed hard so they could score first. This was a very good tactic implemented by Shin Tae-yong. The mentality of the Indonesian players became stronger after Ernando Ari managed to save Australia’s penalty,” he said.
On Fire
Raja Isa called Ernando Ari a Superman on fire .
“Ernando’s success has made the Indonesian players’ confidence even greater. On the other hand, the Australian players have become more stressed and emotional on the field. They have become more enthusiastic and rushed in finishing ,” he said.
The former Persipura coach also stated that several players who had appeared in the Senior National Team at the last Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifications were a plus.
“This is also proof that the PSSI and Shin Tae-yong program is going well. The presence of young players in the senior national team has made the U-23 national team mentally strong. Because they have experience playing at a high level,” he said.
Just Need 1 Point
The Indonesian U-23 national team only needs a draw to qualify for the last eight of the 2024 Qatar U-23 Asian Cup. Shin Tae-yong’s contract as coach of the team called Garuda Muda has been extended, right?
PSSI has indeed given two conditions to Shin Tae-yong if he wants to remain in charge of the U-23 Indonesian national team and the senior national team. First, qualify for the knockout rounds of the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup.
Shin Tae-yong has realized that target when he brought the senior national team to the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup even though they lost 0-4 to the Australian National Team and were eliminated.
Second, Shin Tae-yong must lead the U-23 Indonesian National Team to the quarter-finals of the U-23 Asian Cup. The current situation is that Garuda Muda is only one step away from reaching that round.
Second Position
In the temporary standings of Group A of the U-23 Asian Cup, the U-23 Indonesian National Team is in second place with three points from two matches. Garuda Muda is two points ahead of Jordan U-23 in third place and the Australian U-23 National Team in fourth place.
With one match remaining in Group A of the U-23 Asian Cup, the U-23 Indonesian National Team only needs one point against Jordan U-23 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, on Sunday (21/4/2024).
“That is a commitment that we have agreed together that there are targets for coach Shin Tae-yong as a professional and I as a professional also have an agreement,” said PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, at PSSI’s 94th Anniversary at the Tower. Danareksa, Central Jakarta, Friday (19/4/2024).