Shin Tae-yong Praises Japanese Games And Appreciates The Performance Of The Indonesian National Team

Shin Tae-yong during the Indonesian vs Japan national team (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, commented on the results of the match against Japan in the last match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. Although the results were not on target, the coach felt he could learn valuable lessons.

In the match at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, WIB night, the Garuda Squad lost 1-3 to the Blue Samurai.

Two Japanese goals were contributed by Ayase Ueda plus one goal by Justin Hubner. Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team's single goal was created through Sandy Walsh's contribution.

Shin Tae-yong then did not hesitate to acknowledge the greatness of the opponent who was labeled as a tough opponent of the Indonesian national team. In addition, Japan is indeed the top-ranked team in Asia and the 2023 Asian Cup winners.

"I want to congratulate Japan. I also admit that they are a good team," said Shin Tae-yong after the match.

Furthermore, the South Korean coach did not miss the hard struggle of Marselino Ferdinand and his friends.

"I also want to give applause to the players for doing my best," said the coach.

Despite accepting the defeat, Shin Tae-yong still expressed dissatisfaction. Especially about the referee's performance, which he considered inappropriate in several decisions.

"I received the results of the match, but I am not satisfied with the referee," he said.

Shin Tae-yong more specifically highlighted the yellow card he received in the 53rd minute. The referee assessed that the South Korean coach was protesting excessively.

At that time, the coach showed dissatisfaction by shouting 'why'. However, the referee just threw his face away.

Meanwhile, it cannot be denied that the loss of three points in the crucial match against Japan made the Indonesian national team's hopes of progressing smoothly to the last 16 stalled.

The reason is, in order to qualify through the best third-placed status, the Garuda Squad still has to depend on the results of other matches. Indonesia inevitably hopes that the Oman vs Kyrgyzstan match will end in a maximum draw.