The National Team Succeeded Fooling Opponents With Chameleon Tactics, Shin Tae-yong: We're Actually In Trouble Too

Shin Tae-yong (Photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - Facing Malaysia in the final match of the 2020 AFF Cup group phase, the national team coach Shin Tae-yong again made tactical changes to outwit the opponent. The effort was successful because Malaysia finally lost 4-1.

Not only did he succeed in tricking opponents with his chameleon tactics, Shin Tae-yong himself admitted that the scheme he designed also made it difficult for his team.

"If you change the formation, it will be difficult for the opponent to read and analyze. However, we also have difficulty if we always change the formation," said Shin Tae-yong in a virtual press conference after Indonesia vs Malaysia match.

In the match against Malaysia, Sunday, December 19 at the Singapore National Stadium, Shin Tae-yong did indeed re-install a four-back scheme after previously appearing with five players on the defensive line in the match against Vietnam.

Not only that, but the South Korean coach also changed the composition of the players. He chose to field Ramai Rumakiek from the start of the match and left the team captain, Evan Dimas on the bench.

With this tactic, Shin Tae-yong wants his team to play fast and full of pressure, considering that Malaysia's match this time is not only a matter of prestige but also a determination towards the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals.

The move that Shin Tae-yong chose bore sweet fruit. Despite being missed, the national team was able to make a comeback. Unmitigated, the Garuda squad scored four goals through braces by Irfan Jaya, Pratama Arhan, and Elkan Baggott.

Regarding the scheme that was played, Shin Tae-yong then explained that it was temporary. The reason is, the tactician will change it according to the potential opponent to be faced.

"There is always a standard for formation. I just have to change a little bit, depending on the weaknesses of our players and who the opponents are," he explained.

Despite Shin Tae-yong's confession about the tactics used, the victory over Malaysia in the final match of the Group B phase made Indonesia win the group. That way, Evan Dimnas et al also succeeded in securing a place in the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals to face the host, Singapore.