Shin Tae-young Tanjung, U-20 National Team Player After Beating Syria: They Fight Like True Athletes

JAKARTA - The U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong appreciated the hard struggle of his team in a 1-0 victory over Syria in the second match of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup. For the coach, the hard work made has shown a struggle like a true athlete.

In the second match of Group A of the U-20 Asian Cup, the Garuda Nusantara squad won over Syria. The only decisive goal at Lokomotiv Stadium, Saturday, March 4, was scored by Hokky Caraka in the 35th minute.

The first three points in this second match were greatly appreciated by Shin Tae-yong. Because this result opens the hopes of the U-20 national team to advance to the quarter-finals.

"Until the final whistle sounded, I am very grateful for the struggle carried out by all Indonesian U-20 national team players," added Shin Tae-yong after the match.

In fact, in this match Syria played quite well, statistics proved that the opponent was also superior. But with an effective and efficient game, the team was finally able to record three points.

The process of his team until the end made Shin Tae-yong feel proud. The South Korean coach also appreciated the opponent's appearance.

"They (the U-20 national team players) are fighting like true athletes. I also thank Syria for being a tough opponent until the end of the match," said Shin Tae-yong.

"I said to the Indonesian U-20 national team players. Don't be nervous because you are players with good quality," added Shin Tae-yong to boost the spirit of the players.

After losing points in the first match against Iraq, the coach said the game had actually performed well, but that was only half the ability. Therefore, he tried to set more performance in the second match against Syria.

"Unfortunately, the good quality that you show on the field is only 50 percent of what you have," he told the player about the first match.

"I said, I want to see at least 80 percent of your quality on the pitch (against Syria). So, I want to give the players the best I can afford," explained the coach.

After two matches in Group A and pocketing three points from victory over Syria, then Garuda Nusantara will challenge Uzbekistan. The final match of the group phase will take place on Tuesday, March 7.