Libas Malaysia National Team, Shin Tae-yong Praises Players' Tough Mentality

The Indonesian national team in the match against Malaysia/PHOTO PSSI

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong said the tough mentality of his players led to a 4-1 victory over Malaysia in the final match of Group B of the 2020 AFF Cup, Sunday night.

"I did ask the children not to lose when fighting with Malaysian players. Don't lose the duel and stay calm if you concede first. So I want to congratulate and thank the players," Shin said in a virtual press conference after the match was quoted as saying Between, Sunday, December 19

According to the South Korean tactician, the "Garuda" squad also showed good confidence throughout the match against Malaysia.

This made Irfan Jaya and his friends remain psychologically strong even though they were left behind by their opponents.

Such maturity makes Shin feel happy and assesses his team, which consists of the majority of players aged under 23 years, continues to show improvement in quality.

"These young players are growing more and more. I'm happy to see them," said the South Korean national team coach at the 2018 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Indonesian national team left-back Pratama Arhan said that the victory over Malaysia, which ensured Indonesia advanced to the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals as winners of Group B, was achieved because of the hard work of all team elements.

Arhan also ensured that the effort would be increased when navigating the last four.

"We will work hard to advance to the final," said the 19-year-old footballer who was named the best player by the AFF in the match against Malaysia.

The Indonesian national team qualified for the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals as winners of Group B after beating Malaysia 4-1 in the final group stage match at the National Stadium, Singapore, Sunday night.

Indonesia's goals were scored by Irfan Jaya (two goals), Pratama Arhan and Elkan Baggott. While Malaysia made the score via Kogileswaran Raj.

This achievement in the 2020 AFF Cup also improves the achievements of the 2018 AFF Cup where Indonesia failed to advance from the group stage.

Later, in the semifinals, Indonesia will face the second-ranked team in Group A, Singapore. The first leg of that match will take place on 22 December and the second leg 25 December 2021.