Shin Tae-yong Optimistic That The Indonesian National Team Can Beat Vietnam

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will meet Vietnam twice in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match in the Asian Zone.

The Garuda squad hosted the first meeting at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, March 21, 2024. Then, the Indonesian national team will travel to My Dinh Stadium on March 26, 2024.

Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Garuda Squad expressed high optimism for the two matches against Vietnam.

The South Korean architect believes his troops can win two matches against The Golden Star.

Shin Tae-yong did not just talk. His belief is based on the agenda for the preparation and development of the Indonesian national team so far.

Moreover, he got new ammunition with the entry of a number of naturalized players.

"As head coach, I am optimistic. I am serious about preparing the team as much as possible. When I met several Indonesian national team players in Europe, I took the time to speak, have dinner, and build the players' motivation to win against Vietnam," said Shin Tae-yong.

Shin Tae-yong further stated that the victory against Vietnam, both at GBK and when traveling, was the target promised to PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir.

However, Shin Tae-yong was not willing to mention the score.

"Finally we won one goal in the 2023 Asian Cup. How about tomorrow? Football is not as simple as the score. However, for sure, I am optimistic that the team will be ready for the match and catch victory, both at GBK and in Vietnam," said the South Korean coach.

Previously, Shin Tae-yong had announced 28 Indonesian national team players who were prepared to face Vietnam. Of the 28 names, there are a number of new faces.

Call it Nathan Tjoe-A-On and Jay Idzes whose naturalization process has just been completed. Not only that, there are also the names Ragnar Oratmangoen and Thom Haye who are currently still undergoing the citizenship process and are expected to be completed before the training camp on March 17, 2024.