Shin: Match Against Australia Is Confirmed Not Easy

Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong while monitoring the training process at Al Egla 2 Field, Doha, Qatar, Saturday. (ANTARA)

Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong said the struggle of his team against Australia in the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup will certainly not run easily.

Australia was one of the strong teams in the tournament with physical factors becoming their strength.

"Tomorrow will not be easy, especially since Australia is one of the strongest teams in the Asian Cup. They have strong power and that will be their lead," Shin told a news conference in Doha, Qatar, Saturday.

Ahead of one day before the match, Shin has prepared thorough preparations to bring his players back in combat-ready conditions.

After previously having a day off, now the Garuda squad has undergone a second day of training at Al Egla 2 Field, Doha. Shin is optimistic that his squad will perform well and be energetic to face the team dictated by Graham Arnold at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

"We have good preparation and will show energetic performances from the players tomorrow," said Shin.

He said, based on his experience, Australia is a team that often puts forward elements of attack. An aggressive ball game caught Shin's attention.

To get around Australia's advantage, Shin assessed that the Indonesian national team must be able to balance from other aspects. Mentality and fighting power are aspects that Shin targets to apply to his players.

But he did not deny that if there was still luck for his team it would be a happy moment.

"I would be very happy if there was a miracle coming back to me. I think we have a chance to beat Australia and maybe meet South Korea in the next game," Shin said.

Based on the results of the tournament draw, if Indonesia beats Australia and qualifys for the quarter-finals, the national team has the potential to meet South Korea as long as they can beat Saudi Arabia in the last 16.