South Korea Must Learn From Indonesian National Team Supporters

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team's steps were stopped in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup. Shin Tae-yong's troops lost 0-4 against Australia at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday, January 28, 2024.

Although not taken into account, the appearance of the Indonesian national team throughout the group phase until the knockout stages reaped many appreciations.

The Garuda squad, which was ranked the lowest FIFA in the tournament, turned out to be playing a positive game. They are not inferior against teams like Iraq, Japan, or Australia who are ranked far above it.

Shin Tae-yong said that one of the factors that made his team look good was the fans.

"The Indonesian national team supporters or fans continue to support and pray for us, no matter what results we get. It makes me and all the players comfortable to play. Thank you supporters."

"If we play more comfortably because of the support of supporters, the team will definitely get good results," said Shin Tae-yong.

The picture of Shin Tae-yong's comfort with the full support of the Indonesian national team supporters started his comments regarding questions about South Korea's appearance in the 2023 Asian Cup.

Shin Tae-yong did not really highlight the South Korean game. Instead, he gave advice for the Taegeuk Warriors supporters to always support the national team.

During the 2023 Asian Cup group stage, South Korea was criticized. Jurgen Klinsmann's men struggled slightly and ended Group E as runners-up from winning once and drawing twice.

As a team with World Cup finals subscription status, South Korea only won against Bahrain. They then played a series against Jordan (2-2) and even Malaysia (3-3).

"I'm someone outside the South Korean team. Opinions from outside sometimes make pressure. About their performance, we can see for ourselves."

"The point is, however the result, they started well. The most important thing in my opinion, I just suggest that fans stay supportive. It makes players comfortable."

"Players can be disturbed on the internet (social media). So, performance and level of players can be influenced by fan comments. Once again, fans must continue to support Klinsmann and the players. They can play more comfortably," said the South Korean coach.

Shin Tae-yong remembers when he became a South Korean coach at the 2018 World Cup. At that time, Taegeuk Warriors could not qualify for the knockout stages after ending the group stage as third.

However, the group's last fight against Germany was monumental. South Korea started the group stage badly, losing twice against Sweden and Mexico.

However, fans remain behind the team. In the end, South Korea was able to beat Germany and at the same time repatriate the European representative as the caretaker of the group. In fact, at that time Der Panzer needed a win to qualify for the knockout round.

"About the 2018 World Cup, the results were not good against Sweden and Mexico. However, we were able to win against Germany. It was a fun ending. Fans supported, then the team would get good results," said Shin Tae-yong.

Meanwhile, great support for the Indonesian national team in the 2023 Asian Cup made the team look slick. Shin Tae-yong even dared to say that the Garuda Squad appeared far above its ranking.

In fact, Shin Tae-yong had floated his desire to meet South Korea in the 2023 Asian Cup quarter-finals before losing to Australia.