Elkan Baggot Main Becomes A Striker In The Indonesia Vs Japan National Team Match, PSSI Deputy Confused

PSSI Deputy Zainudin Amali appreciated the struggle of the Indonesian national team against Japan (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - PSSI Deputy General Chair (Waketum) Zainudin Amali admitted that he was a little confused when he watched the match between the Indonesian national team vs Japan. He saw Elkan Baggot's appearance installed by coach Shin Tae-yong in the striker position.

Elkan Baggott's appearance, which was included in the 73rd minute, was enough to steal attention. The defender is replacing Egy Maulana Vikri who was injured.

However, instead of strengthening the defense, Shin Tae-yong even instructed Elkan to play as a striker. Interestingly, the performance of 21-year-old players as attackers is fairly good and immediately retails.

No wonder that situation made Zainudin Amali a little confused because the Ipswich Town player was never tested as a striker by Shin Tae-yong.

"I don't know what Shin Tae-yong's strategy was to push Baggott forward. In fact, he has never been in that position and looks like," said Zainudin Amali after watching the national team together at the GBK Arena, Senayan, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, evening WIB.

Zainudin Amali even had time to reveal that a question arose in his head about Elkan Baggot's appearance. The reason is, he knows that actually Shin Tae-yong still has a striker stock on the bench, such as Hokky Caraka, Ramadhan Sananta, Dendy Sulistyawan, and Dimas Drajad.

Despite being confused, the former Minister of Youth and Sports did not want to bother. He realized that what was happening on the ground was Shin Tae-yong's full authority as the head coach of the Indonesian national team.

"I don't know. In fact, there are still some players in front of us. We just don't know what the coach is thinking. We just believe in what the coach decides," he said.

Regarding the final result that did not meet the target, Zainudin Amali did not want to be discouraged. He admitted that there was indeed a moment from Japan that made the Indonesian national team lose focus.

However, instead of highlighting minor results, he prefers to appreciate the efforts of Garuda's squad players.

"Overall, the children have shown extraordinary resistance. It was only surprised by the very fast goal in the sixth minute of the penalty," said Amali.

"I think it is also mentally very influential because it has been conceded from the start," he said.

The last match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup between the Indonesian vs Japan national team was held at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, WIB night. The Garuda squad had to lose 1-3 to the Blue Samurai.