AFC Asian Cup
Shin's confidence stems from his side's ability to advance to the Finals from a difficult qualifying campaign, with Indonesia producing their best in the third round to join the continent's best in Qatar 2023.
Factfile
Fifa World Ranking: 145
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Group Stage
2019 Result: Did not participate
Head Coach: Shin Tae-yong (KOR)
Fun Fact: Indonesia’s previous four appearances were achieved consecutively between the 1996 and 2007 editions
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Group Stage
2019 Result: Did not participate
Head Coach: Shin Tae-yong (KOR)
Fun Fact: Indonesia’s previous four appearances were achieved consecutively between the 1996 and 2007 editions
There will, however, be no room for error in a group that contains former champions Japan and Iraq along with ASEAN rivals Vietnam.
As luck would have, there will be familiarity with two of their opponents by the time Indonesia kick off their Qatar 2023 campaign as they were drawn with Iraq and Vietnam in Round 2 of the Preliminary Joint Qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
Japan, meanwhile, are among the pre-tournament favourites but Shin, in a recent interview with Indonesian media, expressed confidence that his team are capable of challenging their opponents.
"I believe we will be darkhorses in the tournament. We have been working hard on rectifying our weaknesses and Indonesia are now a more complete team than before," said the experienced coach.
Indonesia's Group D fixtures
15 January
v Iraq (17:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
19 January
v Vietnam (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
24 January
v Japan (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
15 January
v Iraq (17:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
19 January
v Vietnam (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
24 January
v Japan (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
