Indonesia Vs Australia: Shin Tae-yong Believes Garuda Squad Is Better Than Against Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, had doubts about his team's physical condition after struggling and going on a long journey against Saudi Arabia.

However, ahead of the second match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Australia, the coach was sure his players would perform better.

The Indonesian national team is scheduled to meet Australia on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 19.00 WIB at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

Previously, the Garuda Squad had indeed had a long journey because in the inaugural match it had to visit Saudi Arabia's headquarters, King Abdullah Stadium. Luckily, the result in that match was quite good because it ended in a 1-1 draw.

After understanding Saudi Arabia's draw on Friday, September 5, 2024, the Indonesian national team players immediately left for the country to prepare for the second match against Australia.

"We played against Saudi Arabia yesterday and immediately returned to Jakarta. Players must feel tired. So, to be honest, we don't know how stamina is, whether we recover well or not," said Shin Tae-yong during a press conference at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Monday, September 9, 2024, afternoon WIB.

"However, in terms of performance, it will certainly be better than against Saudi Arabia," said the coach again.

Meanwhile, the coach's optimism is also supported by the composition of the current squad, which is on average younger than Australian players.

This advantage is considered by Shin Tae-yong to allow the Garuda Squad to appear more active and energetic when hosting Australia at SUGBK.

"Indeed, now the average age of Indonesian national team players is 23 years. In my opinion, this regeneration is very good for the Indonesian national team. The fighting power is different. Australia has an average age of 27".

"Maybe we have different experiences, but we still have more energy than these young players," said the coach.