Feelings Of Mixed Aruk Shin Tae-yong After Bringing Indonesia U-23 To The Semifinals

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, revealed that his feelings were mixed after going through the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals.

He is happy that Garuda Muda can advance to the semifinals, but on the other hand it is sad to be forced to return his home team, South Korea U-23.

Although there is a feeling of discomfort that is raging within him, in the end Shin really feels relieved. The reason is, according to the coach, this is a form of responsibility that he has held for Indonesia.

"To be honest I feel happy, but at the same time I also feel a little sad. However, the winner has been determined," Shin Tae-yong said in a press conference after the match on Friday, April 26, 2024.

"However, I am currently taking responsibility as coach of the U-23 Indonesian national team. So, I did my best for that," said the man from South Korea.

The Indonesian U-23 and South Korean U-23 national teams met in the quarter-finals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup on Friday, April 26, 2024, early morning WIB, at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The victory managed to belong to Garuda Muda through a fierce battle to the drama shootout.

Throughout normal time, Garuda Muda was able to score two goals through Rafael Struick's brace in the 15th and 45+3th minutes. South Korea U-23 then replied via the own goals of Komang Teguh (45) and Jeong Sang-bin (84).

The 2-2 draw forced the match to continue into the extended round. However, on that occasion both teams still could not score a goal, forcing the determination of the champion through the penalty shootout round.

At the moment of a five-tos battle, the kicker of Garuda Muda successfully completed his task well. Pratama Arhan's measured kick ended the penalty shootout drama for the U-23 Indonesian national team victory with a score of 11-10.

Put aside feelings of sadness having to repatriate South Korea U-23, Shin Tae-yong knows very well how hard his team struggles in this match.

Therefore, he did not forget to appreciate the business and thanked all parties who have supported the success of the U-23 Indonesian national team.

"I want to say a big thank you to the players, PSSI, and all the fans who have supported us," said Shin.

After securing a place in the semifinals, the U-23 Indonesian national team's struggle is increasingly difficult. Garuda Muda still have to try even harder because they will face the winner of Uzbekistan U-23 vs Saudi Arabia U-23.