Shin Tae-yong Praises The Indonesian National Team Mentally: No Less Far From Argentina

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, gave high appreciation to his team after the match against Argentina on FIFA Matchday, Monday, June 19. Despite losing, he said that his team's mentality was not inferior to his opponent.

In the match at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, the Indonesian national team goal guarded by Ernando Ari was only conceded twice by Lionel Scaloni's team. First by Leandro Paredes in the 38th minute and Cristian Romero in the 55th minute.

This final result clearly did not make Shin Tae-yong satisfied because he failed to pick up the three points. However, this South Korean coach is not completely disappointed, but still feels proud of the team.

According to Shin, Asnawi Mangkualam and his friends have shown their best abilities when facing teams like Argentina. This is what makes the coach think that the mentality of his team is no less distant from what Albiceleste's troops are showing.

"Indeed, the Argentine team played very well, that's how I feel, it's very good. But mentally the Indonesian national team players are also no less distant," Shin said during the press conference session after the match.

Although the result of this match has not fully made Shin satisfied, he hopes that the match against Argentina can raise motivation so that his players can continue to grow. This was revealed by the coach considering that his opponent this time was the number one team as well as the 2022 World Cup winners.

"So with experience like this (against the top team) I hope this will motivate the players to develop in the future," said the 53-year-old coach.

"And I want to tell the players that I want to thank you for working hard," added Shin.

Conceding two goals against the world number one team is clearly the result that deserves appreciation, because this shows that the Indonesian national team can also compete in the midst of pressure. The ability of the Garuda Squad which continues to increase is also evidenced from the results of the previous match.

In the first FIFA Matchday of the national team, they were able to show a good performance as well. Facing the Palestinian national team Syadi Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT), Surabaya, East Java on June 14, the national team was able to close the match by holding a 0-0 draw.