Saturday, May 4 2024 – 17:00 WIB
VIVA – Indonesian U-23 National Team coach, Shin Tae-yong, appreciated the players’ struggle despite losing 1-2 to Iraq in the match for third place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Thursday 2 May 2024.
Garuda Muda took the lead through Ivar Jenner’s goal in the 19th minute, before Zaid Tahseen Hantoosh equalized in the 27th minute.
Iraq turned things around to 2-1 through Ali Jasim’s goal in the 96th minute, aka the first half of extra time.
“Congratulations to Iraq for qualifying for the Olympics. It’s a shame we lost because we did our best. I think Iraq played well in the second half,” said Shin Tae-yong.
The South Korean coach also admitted that there were differences in quality between his players.
“There are differences in performance levels, in almost all matches except for 1-2 players we have to play the same 11 players. Maybe that’s why we are having difficulty,” added Shin Tae-yong
Shin Tae-yong said that for the past few days he would give rest without touching the ball, and as much as possible raise the mentality of his players.
“Of course the players are very tired and exhausted. I think for 2-3 days we have to focus on recovery without touching the ball. After that for 3-4 days we will touch on tactics and analysis of the opponent’s game,”
“I will try my best to take this last chance to qualify for the Olympics. I hope 4 Asian teams will compete in the Olympics,” said Shin Tae-yong.
Even though they lost to Iraq, Marselino Ferdinand and his friends still have the opportunity to seal a ticket for the 2024 Paris Olympics through the play-off match.
Indonesia will play fourth place in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, Guinea, on May 9 in France.
