Shin Tae-yong's Tactical Changes Earn Garuda a Crucial Point in Bahrain

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – In football, strategy and tactics often make the difference between victory and defeat. Shin Tae-yong, renowned for his innovative coaching style made key tactical adjustments that proved decisive for Indonesia's Garuda team in their recent match against Bahrain, early Friday (11/10/2024).

Indonesia found themselves behind early in the first half after Bahrain’s Jasim Marhoon scored in the 15th minute. His free-kick struck the crossbar, which was guarded by Maarten Paes, and the ball rebounded into the net.

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The first 30 minutes of the match were tough for Indonesia, as the team struggled to execute their game plan. Bahrain’s intense pressing made it difficult for Indonesian players, who were closely marked throughout.

Despite these difficulties, Indonesia managed to equalize just before the first half ended, in the 45+3 minute. It all started with a cross from Ivar Jenner that deflected off Mees Hilgers’ knee, landing perfectly at Ragnar Oratmangoen’s feet. Oratmangoen then calmly slotted the ball into the right corner of Bahrain’s goal, making the score 1-1.

As the first half concluded, analysts, including Coach Justin, took notice. Known for his sharp insights on the Indonesian national team, Coach Justin commented during a live stream on his YouTube channel, suggesting that Shin Tae-yong needed to make tactical changes for the second half.

"Tactical switch. It’s not working (in the first half). Jordi Amat definitely needs to be subbed out,” Justin observed.

True to Justin's prediction, Coach Shin Tae-yong made changes at the start of the second half, subbing out Jordi Amat for Risky Ridho.

In the second half, the tactical shift became more apparent. Indonesia began controlling the ball better, relying on short, accurate passes. This strategy paid off in the 74th minute.

A long ball from Jay Idzez found Ragnar, who controlled it with a single touch and passed to Marselino. While Bahrain’s defense initially managed to block Marselino, the ball fell to Tom Haye, who set up Rafael Struick. Struick calmly curled the ball into Bahrain’s left corner, giving Indonesia a 2-1 lead.

However, Bahrain fought back in the final minutes, precisely in the 90'+9 minute, equalizing from a corner kick. Once again, Jasim Marhoon scored, rescuing Bahrain from a home defeat.

Despite the draw, the result was a positive one for Indonesia. Many felt that Indonesia deserved the win, especially considering some referee decisions that seemed to go against them.

With this result, Indonesia now sits in 5th place in Group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with 3 points. Their next opponent will be China on October 15.

Shin Tae-yong's tactical adjustments in the match against Bahrain highlight his ability to read the game and adapt accordingly. By making strategic changes at key moments, he demonstrated that Indonesia's Garuda team is evolving and capable of competing at a higher level. (*)

Pewarta: Lalu Ahmad Albani (DJ)

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