After a convincing 5-0 victory against the Philippines in a friendly match, Indonesian national team head coach Shin Tae-yong criticized the quality of the pitch at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta.
The South Korean coach expressed his dissatisfaction with the condition of the playing surface, stating that it was not up to the standard required for international matches. Shin Tae-yong pointed out that the uneven and bumpy pitch made it difficult for the players to control the ball and execute their passes effectively.
Despite the challenges posed by the poor quality of the pitch, the Indonesian national team put on an impressive display of attacking football, with goals from Irfan Jaya, Osvaldo Haay, Evan Dimas, and a brace from Stefano Lilipaly securing a comfortable victory over the Philippines.
The win was a much-needed boost for the Indonesian national team, who are preparing for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Shin Tae-yong will be hoping that his players can carry this momentum into their future matches and continue to build on their recent success.
However, the criticism of the pitch at the SUGBK serves as a reminder that the infrastructure and facilities in Indonesian football still have room for improvement. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) will need to address the issue of substandard pitches if they are to provide the best possible conditions for their national team and help them compete at the highest level.
As Indonesian football continues to grow and develop, it is essential that the necessary investments are made in improving the quality of playing surfaces and facilities across the country. With the right support and infrastructure in place, the Indonesian national team can look forward to a bright future and continued success on the international stage.
