QatarCoach Shin Tae-yong found it difficult to fight with Indonesia to defeat his home team Korea in the 2024 U23 Asia quarterfinals.
Coach Shin Tae-yong admitted that he really wanted to avoid Korea and meet Japan in the quarterfinals. Instead, he wanted to meet his hometown team in the final. “Fate teases me,” Coach Shin said at a press conference on the afternoon of April 24, one day before the quarterfinals. “I would be less tired if I didn’t have to meet Korea. This is a unique event in my life.”
The coach born in 1970 has led many levels of the Korean team, from U20, U23 to the national team. He said he always sings the national anthem loudly and coordinates smoothly with the players, but this time he was confused when he had to stand in the opponent’s position, competing with his close senior coach Hwang Sun-hong. However, Shin affirmed that this is an uncompromising war and will work together with Indonesia towards victory.
Coach Shin Tae-yong at a press conference on April 24, before the match between Indonesia and South Korea in the 2024 U23 Asian quarterfinals. Photo: AFC
Meanwhile, Coach Hwang believes that emotions must be put aside. “Indonesia’s strength is coach Shin Tae-yong,” said the Korean head coach. “Both sides must give a good match and we want to win at all costs.”
The coach born in 1968 highly appreciated Indonesia’s attack with Marselino Ferdinan and Witan Sulaeman, along with players of mixed blood, including Justin Hubner, Nathan Tjoe Aon, Ivar Jenner, Rafael Struick. “Coach Shin has built a good team, very strong in terms of organization because of working together for a long time,” said Hwang Sun-hong.
In addition, Hwang praised the Indonesian player for his technical skills. Korea must not be subjective, must play closely throughout the match and control space well. At the same time, the strength from the consensus of the whole team must be demonstrated on the field.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong of U23 Korea. Photo: AFC
Coach Shin Tae-yong assessed that Korea has very good physical condition with many players playing professionally. Indonesia must pay special attention to 1.93 m tall striker Lee Young-jun – who scored three of Korea’s four goals in the group stage. He shared: “We have to be careful in set situations. Korea also defends very strongly when not conceding a goal and has the ability to strike a decisive blow with the slightest opportunity.”
This is the first time Indonesia has reached the U23 Asian quarterfinals, while Korea participated in all six rounds. Korea is rated higher in every aspect in this match.
The match will take place at 8:30 p.m. local time on April 25, or 0:30 a.m. Hanoi time on April 26. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium is considered a lucky location for Indonesian football thanks to its winning record. In the 2023 Asian Cup group stage, Indonesia defeated Vietnam 1-0. At U23 Asia 2024, the team won 1-0 against Australia and 4-1 against Jordan.
Hieu Luong
