Winning against Vietnam is the happiest

"Of course we are satisfied with this achievement, not just the way we played. The victory over Vietnam made us the happiest," coach Shin Tae-yong said after the Indonesian team's final match in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup.

The Indonesian team finished third in the group. They lost to Japan and Iraq with the same score of 1-3. The only victory of the Indonesian team in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup was against the Vietnamese team. Asnawi Mangkualam scored from the penalty spot.

This is the first time Mr. Shin Tae-yong has tasted the feeling of victory when facing a representative of Vietnamese football. On the other hand, 3 points from that match gives the team of thousands of islands a chance to qualify for the round of 16. They are waiting for favorable results from Group E and Group F.

However, even if the Indonesian team fails to make it past the group stage, coach Shin Tae-yong is still satisfied. The team from the archipelago has performed well at the 2023 Asian Cup, despite being under a lot of pressure after disappointing friendly matches.

"From my personal point of view, as a coach, a big tournament is always an opportunity to make a mark and develop. I lead the team considered the weakest in the tournament. This is also a new experience.

Indonesia is ranked 146th in the FIFA rankings but our performance did not reflect that. The Indonesian team is also the youngest team in the tournament and has gained experience from facing the strongest opponents in Asia," said the Korean coach.

Indonesia only has a chance to advance with the best four third-placed teams. Among the third-placed teams in the other groups, Palestine and Syria are definitely above Indonesia. China only has 2 points and is definitely eliminated.

The opportunity will come to Indonesia if Bahrain loses to Jordan with a difference of 3 goals or more in Group E. If there is only a difference of 2 goals, Indonesia will have to compare the number of goals and cards with Bahrain.

In Group F, the favorable case for Indonesia is Oman drawing Kyrgyzstan.

Phuong Mai

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