Indonesia Vs Uzbekistan, Shin Tae-yong Beware of "White Wolf" Transition

Uzbekistan has a very fast transition from defense to attack and vice versa so it must be anticipated.

AFC

Midfielder-forward from Uzbekistan, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov (right), duels with midfielder from Saudi Arabia, Eid Al-Muwallad, in the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, on Friday (26/4/2024), at the Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar. Jaloliddinov is one of the players that Indonesia needs to be wary of.

DOHA, MONDAY — Coach Indonesia U-23 team Shin Tae-yong said the "Garuda Muda" squad must be aware of the rapid transition from Uzbekistan team in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup semifinal match in Doha, Qatar, Monday (29/4/2024) evening. Quick transitions from defense to attack and vice versa were the key to the success of the team nicknamed the "White Wolves" in sweeping four matches with a win.

In the preliminary match, Uzbekistan defeated Malaysia with a score of 2-0, crushed Kuwait 5-0, and swept Vietnam 3-0. Uzbekistan became the group champion and then defeated one of Asia's giants, Saudi Arabia, with a score of 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

In total, Uzbekistan has scored 12 goals and has never conceded a single goal. This is different from Indonesia, which has won three out of four matches with seven goals scored and five conceded.

Shin Tae-yong, who saw firsthand the match between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, said that Uzbekistan's main strength was in their speed in making the transition from defense to attack and from attack to defense.

AFC

Indonesian U-23 coach Shin Tae-yong gave instructions to his team during the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup against South Korea on Friday (26/4/2024) at Abdullah bin Khalifa stadium in Doha, Qatar.

With a quick transition, Uzbekistan has enough players to press the opponent and score goals. On the other hand, the defense is also solid because there are many players ready to secure the area around the goal.

"After watching the Uzbekistan match, I realized why they were able to score 12 goals and not concede. One crucial factor is their quick transition. Uzbekistan can transition from attacking to defending and defending to attacking very quickly," said Shin on Sunday (28/4/2024) in Doha.

In addition, according to Shin, Uzbekistan also has a very good balance between attack and defense. "This needs to be addressed and if we can deal with it well, maybe we have a chance to win against Uzbekistan," said Shin Tae-yong.

Uzbekistan, according to Shin, has a well-organized game. Their players also have a high level of discipline. This is what makes Indonesian players not allowed to be complacent even a little bit when playing in the semifinals.

Also read: Support Indonesia U-23, Record Attendance in Qatar and “Nobar” throughout Indonesia

PSSI

Indonesia's U-23 coach, Shin Tae-yong, gave instructions to his protégés during the Group A match of the 2024 Asia U-23 Cup against Jordan on Sunday (21/4/2024) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Although they will face a very tough opponent, Shin says that he and the Indonesian players will not be intimidated. They have made many preparations to win the match and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Shin believes that his players have very high confidence after successfully defeating South Korea. They are also highly motivated to quickly secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics and become champions of the U-23 Asian Cup.

Tickets to the Paris Olympics will be given to the champions, runners-up, and third place of this event. As for the fourth place, they must contend for the ticket against African representatives. Therefore, if they win in the semifinals and qualify for the final, Indonesia will automatically secure a ticket to the Paris Olympics.

"Although Uzbekistan is a very good team, I have the best players. I have a good feeling about the semifinal match. So, I hope we will be lucky. I will prepare well," said Shin.

Also read: Shin Tae-yong is not just a "Young Garuda" tactician

AFC

Indonesian player, Witan Sulaeman (left), passes through the obstacle of South Korean player, Kang Seongjin, in the quarterfinal match of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Friday (4/26/2024) morning WIB. Indonesia defeated South Korea through a penalty shootout. This victory led Indonesia to the semifinals.

According to Shin, it is time for the Indonesian football team to qualify for the Olympics again. The last time the Indonesian football team qualified for the Olympics was at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, and Indonesia has been waiting for the same opportunity for 68 years.

"It's time for Indonesia to participate in the Olympic stage (again). I don't feel this is a big pressure. I enjoy this moment and challenge. This is a happy moment for the players. This time, I will make Indonesia go to the Olympics," said Shin Tae-yong.