STY Make Sure The National Team Appears Maximum In The Indonesia Vs Philippines Determination Match In The 2024 AFF Cup

JAKARTA The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong (STY), guarantees that the Garuda squad will perform optimally in a crucial match against the Philippines in the final match of the 2024 AFF Cup Group B elimination. The match will be held on Saturday, December 21, at 20.00 WIB.

Indonesia is obliged to win to secure a ticket to the semifinals. Good news comes with the return of Marselino Ferdinand, who was previously absent due to a red card against Laos. This match is a big test to determine the steps of the national team to the next phase.

Despite being under pressure to win, STY remains optimistic that young players will give their best. "We will work as hard as possible to get maximum results. To fans at the stadium and at home, ask for their support so that our young players are more enthusiastic," said STY.

STY sees this match as an important moment to hone the mentality of young players, especially against senior teams like the Philippines. "There is a burden, but our young players have already shown good performance. If they win, it will accelerate their development," he added.

Responding to questions about the lack of goals through open play, Shin Tae-yong emphasized that all goals, whether through set-pieces or open play, still have the same value. Gol is still a goal. Why did the Philippines concede through sets-pieces, not open play? This is not a positive question, "said STY.

After facing Vietnam, the national team focused on recovering for five days before undergoing tactical training to face the Philippines. Light exercise was held on Friday 19 December to maintain physical fitness.

Two mainstay players, Asnawi Mangkualam and Pratama Arhan, are confirmed to be starters. Even though both of them have just finished the league competition, they are considered important for this match. I deliberately gave Asnawi and Arhan the opportunity to continue playing. Both are needed," said Shin.

The Indonesian national team striker, Hokky Caraka, revealed the team's readiness for this match. "We have prepared as much as possible. All players want to bring Indonesia to the next round. Please support us tomorrow," he said.

Even though previously lost against Vietnam, the enthusiasm of the players was even more motivated. "After a draw against Vietnam and conceding in the final minute, the players were even more enthusiastic. We will prove that we can perform better," said Hokky.

Indonesia's match against the Philippines will be the final test in the group stage as well as the determinant of the fate of the Garuda national team in the 2024 AFF Cup. Full support from the community is highly expected to encourage the best performance of the Garuda squad.