SEAToday.com, Doha - Indonesia is ready to face Iraq in their first match in the Asian Cup 2023 on Monday (15/1/2024). Indonesia head coach Shin Tae-yong said they will not only “sit back and defend” in this match.

“Even though we are the lowest ranked team in our group, if we only sit back and defend, Indonesian football will not develop,” said Shin as quoted from the Asian Cup official site.

Shin added that Indonesia “wants to follow the trends of modern football”. Therefore, he wants their side to play counter-attack football and build up the attack from the back.

“We want to follow the trends of modern football, we want to do our best in the build-up from the back and everything. Our tactics will focus on developing Indonesian football, not just on results.” He said.

Indonesia is in the Grup D in the Asian Cup 2023 with Japan, Iraq, and Vietnam. In the previous meeting in November 2023, Indonesia lost 1-5 to Iraq but Shin promised their side would play differently.

“We still didn’t have enough time to prepare this time, but we are in a much better position now and you can expect more from us.” He said.