Shin Tae Yong's Achievements with the Indonesian National Team, Successfully Leading to the World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone

Kapanlagi.com - Since being appointed as the coach of the Indonesian National Team at the end of 2019, Shin Tae-yong immediately captured the attention of football fans in the country. The South Korean coach is expected to bring fresh air and transformation for the Garuda squad, which has faced various challenges on the international stage. With a clear long-term vision, Shin Tae-yong began his mission by building a solid foundation for the national team at all age levels.

Despite facing various obstacles, such as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting many competitions, Shin Tae-yong remains committed to forming a solid team. Under his leadership, the Indonesian National Team has achieved several historic milestones, from qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers to winning a bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games. All these achievements are a testament to Shin Tae-yong's hard work and dedication in creating a competitive and capable team.

However, news regarding the possibility of Shin Tae-yong's tenure ending with the Indonesian National Team has raised many questions among football fans. Although speculation is circulating, Shin Tae-yong's contributions and role in the development of the Indonesian National Team deserve appreciation.

1. The Beginning of Shin Tae-yong's Appointment as Indonesia National Team Coach

In December 2019, Shin Tae-yong officially took on the role of coach for the Indonesia National Team, a hopeful step taken by PSSI at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor, to revive the performance of a team that was struggling. The 54-year-old coach replaced Simon McMenemy, who had failed to meet public expectations.

Initially, Shin was assigned to lead the U-20 National Team preparing for the U-20 World Cup 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed and moved to Argentina. Although the initial plan changed, PSSI's trust in handing over all levels of the national team, from U-19 to senior, to Shin underscores a long-term commitment to building a stronger foundation for Indonesian football.

With renewed enthusiasm, Shin Tae-yong launched a training camp program abroad, including in Croatia, to improve the quality of the team's play.

2. Transformation of the Indonesian National Team in the Era of Shin Tae-yong

Under the guidance of Shin Tae-yong, the Indonesian National Team has undergone an impressive metamorphosis, particularly in game strategy and tactical discipline. With a sharp focus on developing young players, Shin has boldly fielded junior squads in various prestigious tournaments, demonstrating his commitment to the future of Indonesian football.

The modern training methods he implemented, which emphasize physical and mental aspects, began to yield results as the team was able to compete closely against tough opponents in Southeast Asia. The positive atmosphere created by Shin also contributed significantly, boosting the players' confidence, evident from their aggressive and organized play during crucial moments, such as in the AFF Cup and SEA Games.

Thanks to this hard work, the National Team managed to secure a bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games and became the runner-up in the 2020 AFF Cup, an achievement to be proud of!

3. Achievements and Accomplishments in International Tournaments

Under the leadership of Shin Tae-yong, the Indonesian National Team has recorded a series of impressive and proud achievements. Although they had to settle as finalists in the AFF Cup 2020 after losing to Thailand, this step became a bright starting point for the Garuda squad.

In the 2021 SEA Games, they managed to secure a bronze medal, showing significant progress on the regional stage. Not only that, Shin Tae-yong also successfully led the U-23 National Team to become runners-up in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup and brought the team to the group stage of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.

The pinnacle of all these achievements is the success of the Indonesian National Team qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the first time, a historic milestone that marks the rapid advancement of Indonesian football in Asia.

4. Challenges and Failures Faced by the National Team

Shin Tae-yong's journey with the Indonesian national team has indeed been full of twists, even though he has achieved several accomplishments. In the 2024 AFF Cup, hopes of advancing to the semifinals were dashed after his team could only secure third place in Group B, which triggered a wave of criticism from various parties.

However, this South Korean coach remains optimistic, viewing failure as a valuable opportunity to learn, especially with the majority of his players still young, with an average age of 20.5 years. He prefers to focus on long-term development rather than instant results. Nevertheless, this unsatisfactory outcome has sparked speculation about his future in the coaching seat, with some rumors suggesting that PSSI is looking for a replacement, although there has been no official confirmation.

"I am very grateful and feel thankful to the players who have worked hard in this AFF Cup tournament," said Shin Tae-yong on his Instagram account, showing his spirit and respect for the team.

5. Shin Tae-yong's Hopes for the Indonesian National Team

Amid various obstacles, Shin Tae-yong continues to move forward with full confidence for a bright future for the Indonesian National Team. He has set an ambitious target for the Garuda squad to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while also inviting supporters to unite in realizing this great dream.

According to him, the potential of the Indonesian National Team is very promising, thanks to the presence of talented young players and support from naturalized players. With thorough preparation, Shin believes that this team will be able to show a more brilliant performance on the international stage ahead.

"Next year, the Indonesian National Team will fight with all their might to qualify for the World Cup. Let's continue to support and give them our spirit!" he stated.

6. Is Shin Tae-yong still coaching the Indonesian National Team?

Erick Thohir announced that Shin Tae-yong's journey as the coach of the Indonesian National Team has come to an end, and now the PSSI is preparing to welcome a new figure to lead Garuda. The replacement coach is scheduled to be introduced to the public on January 12, 2025, marking a new chapter in the history of Indonesian football.

7. What is Shin Tae-yong's greatest achievement with the Indonesian National Team?

One of Shin Tae-yong's remarkable achievements is successfully leading the Indonesian National Team to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, a proud accomplishment that demonstrates his dedication to advancing the football of the homeland to a higher level.

8. Why did the Indonesian National Team fail in the 2024 AFF Cup?

The Indonesian National Team had to end their dreams of advancing to the semifinals after getting caught in fierce competition in the group stage, where the majority of their players are still young. Despite their high fighting spirit, experience became a decisive factor in their journey this time.

(kpl/srr)