Radhi Shenaishil gave extraordinary praise to the Indonesia U23 national team in the race for third place in the 2024 U23 Asian Cup at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Thursday (2/5).
Shenaishil admitted that he really respected the Indonesia U23 National Team coached by Shin Tae Yong. The former national team defender said the Iraq U23 coaching team had been observing Indonesia’s strength since the 2024 U23 Asian Cup began.
“We have been monitoring the Indonesia National Team very closely since the start of the tournament. They are very good, a team that continues to develop, and are respectable on the field,” said Shenaishil.
“Southeast Asian football is known for its very fast transitions and we have to be very careful to stop them, especially when it comes to their attackers,” the former Iraq national team defender added.
Shenaishil further said that the Indonesia U23 National Team had a mature game. However, Iraq is confident that they can beat Indonesia and qualify for the Olympics for the seventh time.
“Indonesia won against Jordan, Australia and Korea, so they are not in their current position by chance. They have mature plans and strategies, which makes us respect them and makes us more focused.”
“Our players are ready despite facing difficulties in this decisive match. We have a good team, we are brave and very motivated and have good physical abilities, what we need to get good results is our focus,” said Shenaishil.
However, the fast game of the Indonesia U23 National Team made Iraq legend Saad Abdul Hameed worried. Hameed said that the Iraq U23 national team could be confused when facing Indonesian attacks.
Hameed, who currently serves as assistant coach for the Iraq U16 national team, praised the game of the Indonesia U23 national team coached by Shin Tae Yong. Hameed said Indonesia had a very dangerous game strategy.
“The Indonesia national team has developed a lot and is a dangerous team to watch out for. This team is good at passing the ball quickly and making quick transitions from defense to attack,” said Hameed.
