“I have to do it well,” he said of the need to lift his players mentally and physically. “The players are so tired and exhausted, they’re burned out actually.

 

“For around two or three days we’ll only focus on recovery, I won’t even let the players touch the ball. After that we have three or four days and then we’ll do some tactical work and analyse our opponent.  

 

“I will try my best to take the last opportunity to go to the Olympics. My wish is that four Asian teams will participate at the Olympic Games.”

Shin’s side had dared to dream for nine first half minutes that the country was bound for the Olympics for the first time since 1956 when Jenner put Indonesia ahead with a long-range strike in the 19th minute.

 

But Tahseen’s header levelled the scores and, with neither side able to claim a second in regulation time, Jasim struck six minutes into extra-time to earn the Iraqis a third Olympic qualification since 2004.

“It’s a shame about the result,” said Shin. “We did our best, but we still have one more chance to go to the Olympics.

 

“Both teams fought so hard to get the third place and the ticket to the Olympics, both teams did very well and made a huge amount of effort. I’m thankful for my team, my players for their huge effort in this match.”

While the Indonesians remain focused on continuing their quest for an Olympic berth, the longer term future looks bright for Shin and his team with many in the squad having already featured regularly for the senior national side.

 

“During the next few years we’re still going to develop again and again, so I’m quite sure we will continue to grow and become a better team,” Shin said of the squad’s prospects.

 

“The players’ minds have been changed and their will has become very strong. They’ve got tenacity as well. I have my own philosophy and the players are following my style of play nicely and they enjoy it. Those factors have affected Indonesian football’s development recently.”