Shin Tae-yong Reveals the Moment That Changed Indonesian National Team Players to Never Give Up

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Shin Tae-yong (STY) revealed the moment that changed the mentality of the Indonesian national team players to become what they are today, never giving up. This was stated in STY’s conversation with veteran Korean MC Lee Kyung-kyu which was posted on Thursday (28/11/2024).

“When I first came, the Indonesian national team players gave up very easily. “If they meet a strong opponent, they don’t think about winning but give up, then always look for reasons to explain why they lost,” explained STY.

Shin Tae-yong first managed the Indonesian national team in 2019. He is now tasked with managing the U-23 national team and the senior national team. STY’s contract to handle the Indonesian National Team until 2027.

According to Shin Tae Yong, a change in the mentality of the Indonesian national team players appeared to occur after the match against Argentina on June 19 2023. At that time, Argentina had just won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“Even though they lost 0-2 to Argentina, the national team players are increasingly confident because they met the world champion team and only lost by two goals,” explained Shin Tae-yong regarding the change in mentality of the Indonesian national team players.

Shin Tae Yong also succeeded in bringing the Indonesian National Team to become the only representative from Southeast Asia who was able to survive in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone.

The Indonesian national team is in third place with six points, on par with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and only one point behind second team Australia. If they finish in second place in the group, the Indonesian national team will get a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

“It was so hard, it was like a dream,” he said.

“We have to win at least twice and draw one of the last four matches to have a chance,” said Shin Tae-yong regarding the performance of the Indonesian national team players.

Indonesian national team players will have an away match against Australia and a home match against Bahrain in March 2025. Then in June 2025, the team will host China and an away match against Japan.