The AFF 2020 event has reached the stage for preparation for the semifinals. Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia have each other's strengths. Thailand and Vietnam are considered too early to meet because many people regret that they should have met better in the final. Meanwhile, the match between Indonesia vs Singapore became a balanced match because their level was considered equally below Thailand and Vietnam.
For Singapore National Team, they themselves lost to Thailand in the Group A phase. Meanwhile, the record is in the Indonesian National Team. They managed to hold AFF defending champions draw with a score of 0-0. However, without many guessing that they appear to attack when they face Malaysia. The team that was nicknamed “Malayan Tiger” couldn’t do anything and surrendered with a score of 4-1 against Indonesia.
Indonesia managed to make a surprise and win Group B. When it comes to the quality of the coach, this is the quality of a coach who has experience defeating Germany National Team. Shin Tae-Yong changed Indonesian National Team tactically, physically and all aspects needed to walk higher in the AFF tournament. Then, what is the secret behind the success of the Indonesia National Team that was trained by Shin Tae-Yong so far?
First, Shin Tae-Yong can change different tactics in each match fluently. It was proven when against Cambodia using a 4-3-3 formation, Indonesia managed to win with a score of 4-2. Then, it continued when against Laos, Shin Tae-Yong changed the formation to 4-1-4-1 and won again with a score 5-1. Then, when facing Vietnam, it changed to be more defensive by using a 5-4-1 formation and managed to hold on to a draw with a score 0-0. And the last match in group B, when Indonesia won against Malaysia with a score of 4-1, Shin Tae-Yong changed the formation to 4-4-2.
The second factor, Indonesia can rotate players wisely and not be too dependent on one player to another. For example, before Shin Tae-Yong coached Indonesia, Indonesia relied heavily on Evan Dimas as the mastermind of the attack. Then, this is a risk when Evan Dimas is not there, the ball can’t flow well to the front line. Now, it's a different situation. So, the task can be delegated to Ricky Kambuaya or Witan Sulaeman as the alternative mastermind of the attack.
The last factor is the factor of the development of stamina and physicality of Indonesian players. The reason behind the recruitment of Shin Tae-Yong for the Indonesia National Team is because that team has weaknesses in the physical, mental and stamina sectors. Even though from a technical side it’s already good. Then, this is what becomes the strength to sustain the speed of the Indonesian wings line which has been a mainstay for a long time.
These are the factors that make up the current Indonesian National Team right now. So, the power that they have at the moment, can punish any team.
Image Source : Indonesia National Team (PSSI)