Only Able To Break Into Vietnam's Gawang Once, Shin Tae-yong: The Preparation Time For The Indonesian National Team Is Tight

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team managed to win 1-0 against Vietnam at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK). Shin Tae-yong as the coach revealed the main reason his team was only able to score one goal.

The Indonesian and Vietnamese national teams met on the agenda of the second round of the Asian Zone 2026 World Cup Qualification. In the match which was held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, the single goal was created by Egy Maulana Vikri.

Even though they managed to win, the performance of the Indonesian national team was considered to have decreased slightly compared to when they met Vietnam in the 2023 Asian Cup. This can be seen from the appearance of the Garuda Squad in the first round which had difficulty developing the game.

In fact, this condition was not denied by Shin Tae-yong. After the match, the coach revealed the main reason his troops appeared less intense.

The South Korean architect said the short preparation time was an obstacle. Moreover, the composition of his concoction squad is currently inhabited by several new naturalization players.

He also briefly compared preparations when they could win against Vietnam in the 2023 Asian Cup.

"For the 2023 Asian Cup (performance), we have been training for 20 days in Turkey so that we can perform well," said the coach after the match.

"However, this time there are (players) from Europe and local. We have only gathered for three days and immediately played. So, the implementation of tactics takes time and is indeed less time for the Indonesian national team," said Shin Tae-yong.

Shin Tae-yong did not turn a blind eye to the team's poor performance. Even so, he still appreciated his team and said the players managed to show their best in this match.

"I am very happy because we can win against Vietnam. Very proud of the players for working hard," said Shin Tae-yong.

Furthermore, the Indonesian national team will take turns visiting Vietnam headquarters, My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi. The match will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.