'Should have scored more than 2 goals!'

The Indonesian team had a historic 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the match that took place at 7 p.m. on November 19. Thanks to that, coach Shin Tae-yong and his team enjoyed the feeling of winning 3 full points for the first time in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Indonesia had a difficult start under pressure from Saudi Arabia, as the West Asian representative was also desperate for points to chase a World Cup ticket. However, a brace from Marselino Ferdinan helped Indonesia keep the victory at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. With 6 points (1 win, 3 draws, 2 losses), Indonesia became the Southeast Asian team with the most points in the third round of World Cup qualifying, surpassing Thailand (2 points) and Vietnam (4 points) in previous qualifying rounds.

Coach Shin Tae-yong

However, coach Shin Tae-yong still felt regretful. He affirmed: "Indeed, what we prepared was done very well by the players. Right at the beginning of the match, Indonesia had a clear chance to score. It should not have been so difficult to find the opening goal.

If we had been more frugal, of course Indonesia could have scored more goals than we did (2 goals). However, I am still very happy with this victory. Thank you, Indonesian players."

The victory over Saudi Arabia also helped relieve pressure on coach Shin Tae-yong. Before the match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium last night, the Korean strategist was under pressure because Indonesia had not won any match after the first leg of the third qualifying round of the World Cup.

However, the three important points helped Indonesia turn the tables. The team from the archipelago rose to third place with six points, just one point behind second-placed Australia.

Indonesia's victory opens a turning point in Group C of the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup

According to coach Shin Tae-yong, the Indonesian team is capable of winning third or fourth place to advance to the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

"We are getting closer and closer to our goal. The Indonesian team's target is to finish third or fourth in Group C. We have two more home matches (against Bahrain and China). So this goal is completely possible. The victory against Saudi Arabia is a great motivation for the players to qualify for the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup," Mr. Shin concluded.

The Indonesian team will continue their World Cup qualifying campaign in March 2025, with an away match against Australia (match 7) and a home match against Bahrain (match 8).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/indonesia-thang-tran-lich-su-hlv-shin-tae-yong-van-tiec-nuoi-dang-ra-phai-ghi-hon-2-ban-185241120083922642.htm