Indonesian National Team Runner Up 2023 AFF U-23 Cup, Shin Tae-yong: Congratulations To Vietnam, Team Appreciation And Disappointed With Referees

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong expressed his feelings after the team left as runner-up in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup. The South Korean coach congratulated the Vietnam national team and expressed his frustration at the referee's performance.

The U-23 Indonesian national team managed to return home with the second place title after going through a fierce match against the Vietnam national team in the final. In the match at Rayong Stadium, Thailand on Saturday, August 26, 2023, Indonesia lost 5-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw for 120 minutes.

Although he has not managed to return home with a trophy, Shin Tae-yong still appreciates the performance of his team who have fought hard in the fierce match. He also did not hesitate to congratulate Vietnam for winning the defending title.

First, I would like to thank the players of both teams, Indonesia and Vietnam. I also congratulate Vietnam on winning this tournament," said Shin Tae-yong in a statement after the match.

"Apresiasi juga untuk usaha para pemain, itu merupakan 120 menit usaha yang luar biasa," katanya untuk tim yang telah berjuang.

On the same occasion, Shin Tae-yong also highlighted the referee's performance. He even forgot about his disappointment with the Japanese referee, Hiroki Kasahara, who led this final match.

According to him, in that match, the referee often ignored the gross violations made by Vietnamese U-23 players to the U-23 Indonesian national team. There was even an incident where Haykal Alhafiz's head was hit by one of the U-23 Vietnamese players, but the referee didn't budge.

Even in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup final match, Shin Tae-yong even held a strong protest against the referee. As a result, the coach was also given a yellow card by the referee.

From experience on the ground, Shin Tae-yong then advised AFF to improve the referee's performance so that Southeast Asian football could develop.

"There's only one thing I want to say is that if the AFF wants its members to develop, the players will also develop, we have to think about a few things," he said.

"I can't call it specific, but some situations don't help players. Players may have a great effort, but the (fair) decision is wrong."

"And the wrong decision is not good. It can hinder the development of players even though they have a big effort," he said.