Shin Tae-yong Reveals The Key To The Success Of The U-23 Indonesian National Team To Silence Thailand In The AFF U-23 Cup Semifinals

The Indonesian U-23 national team defeated Thailand in the race for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup final. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team confirmed the move to the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup final by defeating Thailand in the round of 4, Wednesday, August 24. The Garuda Muda squad won 3-1.

This victory is clearly beyond the predictions of many people who are better at winning Thailand. The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, said that the good team's condition and mentality were the key to his team's victory.

"Actually we only had short preparations before coming to Thailand, and we also had a short training camp period. So the most important thing in football is the team's condition and mentality," Shin said after the match.

"We did a good teamwork, maybe that's the reason why we did well in this phase," he continued, as quoted by Antara.

The Indonesian national team will face Vietnam in the final. Shin believes the match will present a fierce battle between the two teams.

"The four teams that qualify for the semifinals are good Southeast Asian teams, so we can expect a good match in the final," believes the South Korean coach.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ferarri grew an optimistic feel ahead of the match against Vietnam. He reflected on the last meeting against Vietnam at the 2023 SEA Games, when the Indonesian U-22 national team at that time was able to win 3-2 over the same opponent.

"We only focus on the team, we don't focus on their opponents. We have a lot of experience meeting Vietnam, and in the last match we won at the SEA Games. We are sure tomorrow's match can win. God willing," said the Persija Jakarta player.

The final match of the AFF U-23 Cup between Indonesia and Vietnam will take place at the Rayong Province Stadium, Thailand, Saturday, August 26.