JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, will escort the team through the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round. Facing Saudi Arabia on Friday, September 6, 2024, early morning WIB, he emphasized to his team that opponents cannot be underestimated.

Saudi Arabia is one of the strongest countries in Asia. The strength of The Green Falcon, said Shin Tae-yong, is even on par with Iran as the best Asian team.

However, Saudi Arabia's character and style of play are a bit different. Therefore, the coach asked his team not to underestimate the opponent this time.

"Actually, there are two countries that are the best possible in the Middle East, namely Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, there are different characters and different styles of play. So, it cannot be compared either," said Shin Tae-yong in his statement quoted on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

"Actually, which team can be compared to Saudi Arabia is difficult. However, what is certain is that against Saudi Arabia we cannot underestimate either. They are the best team in my opinion," said the coach.

In another view, Shin Tae-yong said Saudi Arabia has large funds in team management. This allows Saudi Arabia to be prepared with maximum conditions.

In addition, the quality of Saudi Arabia's football competition is also better than Indonesia. This allows the individual quality of players to develop well and have an impact on the national team.

"They also use a lot of budgets for the composition of the players," said the coach.


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