Indonesia coach confident of defeating Vietnam in World Cup qualifiers

Shin acknowledged Vietnam's coach Park Hang-seo and his assistants had attended the game between Indonesia and Thailand.

"I know Park came and watched the game. This can bring advantage to Vietnam since Park already knew how we play. However, I will make some adjustments that would surprise Vietnam. I’m confident to get a victory."

After losing the first five World Cup qualifiers, Indonesia had no chance left to advance. Therefore, Shin brought a really young team to play the last three games. Fifteen among 29 Indonesia players hail from the U22 team. The squad’s average age is only 22.

However, with a comfortable and pressure-free mentality, the young players caused many difficulties for Thailand, who needed a win to compete for a slot in the next round. Thailand took the lead twice but Indonesia equalized both times, with the game ending 2-2.

Indonesia head coach Shin Tae-yong in an interview after the team's World Cup qualification march against Thailand on June 3, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa.

"I want to thank the players for giving their best. They don’t have much experience but put up a good fight. We will surely get better in the next games," Shin said.

Indonesia will face Vietnam on June 7. The Golden Dragons are still leading group G with 11 points. Meanwhile, the host UAE climbed to second after beating Malaysia 4-0 on Thursday. Vietnam will need at least two wins to secure a spot in the final World Cup qualification round.