Indonesia, which dramatically advanced to the round of 16, lost after conceding an own goal, and if Korea won against Saudi Arabia, it would advance to the quarterfinals against Australia.
Indonesia, led by coach Shin Tae-yong, lost to Australia and was eliminated from the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
Indonesia lost 0-4 to Australia in the round of 16 of the Asian Cup held at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar at 8:30 pm (Korean time) on the 28th.
Indonesia performed a miracle in this tournament. They recorded 1 win, 2 losses (3 points), and advanced to the tournament in 3rd place in Group D of the group stage.
In this tournament, the top 4 teams from each group, including 1st and 2nd place as well as 3rd place in each group, advance to the round of 16. Indonesia was dramatically included in the top four teams and advanced to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup for the first time in history.
Coach Shin aimed for the quarterfinals. If Indonesia defeated Australia and Korea also defeated Saudi Arabia, they would meet in the quarterfinals. Coach Shin, who led the Korean national soccer team in the past, hoped for the real situation of meeting Korea as an enemy.
However, ‘Shin Tae-yong Magic’ made it to the round of 16 and was eliminated from the competition.
Coach Shin said in a press conference after the game, “Congratulations on Australia advancing to the quarterfinals. And I am also grateful to our players who fought hard. I would like to say that our players played the best out of the four games (this tournament). “I think it was a disappointing game due to lack of luck (such as an own goal),” he said.
He continued, “No goal was scored. Our players were able to do better because they had more confidence. Although the game was consistent, the opponent scored a lucky goal and suffered a disappointing loss. “I want to praise the players for their hard work,” he added.
Coach Shin aggressively managed Indonesia, which was weaker than Australia. The general idea was to counterattack after rain, but he came up with an unorthodox tactic to aggressively pressure the opponent.
Regarding this, he said, “I think soccer is about trying to win, I don’t think you play soccer to draw or score fewer goals. “I thought about a way to win,” he said. “Because our players were young, they lacked experience. He expressed his strong confidence in the team, saying, “I gained confidence that if the experience is well incorporated, we can play on equal footing with Australia.”
As we achieved good results on the big stage of the Asian Cup, our next plan was also clear. Coach Shin said, “Currently, the second round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup in Asia is underway. “It was a difficult journey with 1 draw and 1 loss, and my goal is to pass the second preliminary round,” he said emphatically.
He also revealed his special affection for Korea. He said, “I think Korea and Iran are pretty good teams and will compete for the championship.” He added, “I think (meeting Korea in the quarterfinals) is still a dream. However, if an opportunity like this comes again next time, I would like to meet Korea.”
Meanwhile, the Korean national soccer team, led by coach Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), will play against Australia in the quarterfinals if they win the round of 16 against Saudi Arabia, which will be held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, at 1 a.m. on the 31st. 섯다
