Shin Tae-yong Asks Players To Forget The Controversy Against Qatar, Focus On The Australian Match Against Australia

The U-23 Indonesian national team lost controversially to Qatar U-23 (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, asked his players to forget the controversial and painful match against Qatar U-23. He wants his players to rise and prepare for Australia U-23 in the second match of Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

As is known, the U-23 Indonesian national team faced Qatar U-23 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday, April 15, 2024, WIB night. In that match, Garuda Muda lost 0-2 to the host.

Shin Tae-yong's team lost through Khalid Ali Sabah's penalty goal (45+1') and Ahmed Al Raqi's free kick (54'). This match was also marked by controversy due to the leadership of referee Nasrullo Kabirov who was considered to be one-sided and more profitable to the hosts.

Despite losing three points in the inaugural match, Shin Tae-yong still appreciated his players. He also emphasized that Rizky Ridho and colleagues must rise to look at the match against Australia U-23 on April 18, 2024.

"I told the players that they worked well on the field today (against Qatar) and did not lose confidence," Shin Tae-yong said in a statement quoted on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

"We will rest (recovery) and after that make preparations for the Australian opponents. We have to get up and I will try to motivate them (the players)," said the 53-year-old coach.

Shin Tae-yong then also considered that the U-23 Indonesian national team actually had the ability to perform better. Even though he was rigged against Qatar, the coach believes his players will fight until the final whistle.

"Indonesian football continues to grow. We do not give up even though there are only one or two players left."

"We have several opportunities, but have not been able to complete them and will continue in the upcoming match," said Shin Tae-yong.

Despite the coach's determination to make the players rise in the match against Australia, the U-23 Indonesian national team defeat to Qatar made them now at the bottom of Group A without points.

Qatar topped the standings with three points. Then, Jordan and Australia were in second and third place after both teams drew 0-0.