Shin Tae-yong's Confidence Brings The U-23 Indonesian National Team To Achieve The Target In The 2024 U-23 Asian Cup

Shin Tae-yong believes that the U-23 Indonesian national team will surprise the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team has received a high target in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. They can at least qualify for the quarter-finals or go further until the semifinals for ticket opportunities to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Garuda Muda's journey immediately met a tough challenge in Group A. They had to fight with a strong team, such as the hosts Qatar, Australia and Jordan.

Shin Tae-yong is well aware of the strength of his opponents in the group stage. He believes the three countries have a U-23 team that is no less strong than the senior national team.

"Everything in Group A is a strong team, especially Qatar and Jordan. They are champions and runners-up in the 2023 Asian Cup," Shin Tae-yong said in a press conference session on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

However, Shin Tae-yong had great confidence that his troops could pass Group A and take the knockout phase.

He also did not really mind a number of players who canceled their participation because the club was not allowed to remember that the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup was not the FIFA agenda. Call it Elkan Baggott and Nathan Tjoe-A-On.

"Some players cannot join. It is likely that the team will perform better if there were some players earlier."

"However, the level of players has increased. I only believe in the players and the team. We will give our best with all strengths," said Shin Tae-yong.

The South Korean coach did not just talk. The U-23 Indonesian national team has made preparations by holding a training camp in Dubai since April 1, 2024.

In addition, they also conducted two trials against Saudi Arabia (5/4/2024) and the United Arab Emirates (8/4/2024). As a result, Garuda Muda lost 1-3 vs Saudi Arabia and won 1-0 against the United Arab Emirates.

Shin Tae-yong has prepared the mentality of his foster children to achieve the target. He believes that the closest target to passing Group A can be realized.

"We are undergoing training camps and trials against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. We have had tremendous experience."

"The confidence of the players is increasing. The match helps us, especially to face all the teams in Group A."

"I've been in Indonesia for a long time and handled a lot of teams. Our performance level has increased," said Shin Tae-yong again.

Qatar became the first opponent of the U-23 Indonesian national team. The opening match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup will be held at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Despite appearing as a debutant in the U-23 Asian Cup, Shin Tae-yong was not afraid. Garuda Muda is ready to give a surprise.

Moreover, almost half of the Indonesian U-23 national team squad are experienced players who have performed regularly in the senior national team.

They were tested during the 2023 Asian Cup by bringing the Garuda Squad through the knockout phase for the first time in the history of participation.

Then, the U-23 Indonesian national team troops were also inhabited by players who were trusted by Shin Tae-yong to appear in the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Qatar is a team that has always qualified for the last four editions of the U-23 Asian Cup. They only missed the first edition in 2013.

Qatar has collected the third title (2018) and fourth place (2016).

Australia has never even missed the U-23 Asian Cup. They also won third place (2020) and fourth ladder (2022).

Finally, Jordan had three years of money. Their best achievement was third place (2013) and never missed the U-23 Asian Cup.