Naturalization policy ‘hurting’ Indonesia at AFF Cup?

Is Indonesia really in decline?

The 3-3 draw between Laos and Indonesia in the second round of the AFF Cup 2024 group stage is one of the biggest earthquakes in this year’s tournament.

However, the seeds of surprise were sown from the opening match. With a youthful squad, Laos held off the Vietnamese team for 58 minutes, before losing the match due to physical deterioration. Meanwhile, Indonesia was pressured by Myanmar in about the first hour with dozens of opportunities created. Only luck helped Indonesia stand firm, and then win thanks to Pratama Arhan’s throw-in.

The 90 minutes at Manahan Stadium on the evening of December 12 were simply a continuation of Laos and Indonesia’s performance from the first match. When coach Ha Hyeok-jun’s Laos knew how to properly distribute physical strength, and Indonesia no longer had the same luck, the 3-3 score was inevitable.

Coach Shin Tae-yong believes that the tight schedule has harmed Indonesia. Before the tournament, he also emphasized that we cannot expect too much from Indonesia’s U.21 group. But, it should be emphasized that the Laos team also brings a very young force to the 2024 AFF Cup, with an average age under 23. Laos captain Bounphachan Bounkong is only 24 years old, while Peter Phantavong, who scored the goal that set the score 3 -3, only 18 years old this year. Between Laos and Indonesia, it is unknown who is younger than who.

The Indonesian team dropped points because of bad play, that’s the only explanation. Coach Shin Tae-yong’s team lacks tactical discipline, does not know how to control the rhythm of play and competitive psychology, and also lacks cohesion to lift each other up in difficult times.

This is the consequence of the naturalization policy that Indonesia has pursued in exchange for the World Cup dream. Over the past 3 months, the island team has competed against Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China and Bahrain with a squad that always has at least 8 or 9 naturalized players, with roots in Europe or America.

If before, Mr. Shin’s team played with about 4 or 5 “imported” stars, then now, the overseas Indo-Chinese force has covered all three lines. There are only two rare purely Indonesian players who can squeeze into the main team: Rizky Ridho and Marselino Ferdinan.

Naturalized forces help Indonesia become strong quickly without needing a strong foundation. But in return, the “foreign soldiers” took away the opportunity to play for local players such as Hokky Caraka, Muhamad Ferrari or Alfeandra Dewangga. Until they were able to play the pivotal role when the naturalized players could not participate in the AFF Cup, Indonesia’s inherently potential domestic team was strangely fragmented and fragile.

Wall position

“The situation is getting worse. If we lose to the Vietnamese team, we must win against the Philippines in the last round. Coach Shin Tae-yong’s time for playing is over. Now is the time to build the best team to avoid The painful defeat at Phu Tho is coming soon. Shin can reapply a pragmatic style of play, instead of taking risks by playing duels with Vietnam.” CNN Indonesia Evaluate.

With no more naturalized players, the Indonesian team must face a difficult reality. Mr. Shin’s students do not have the good physique and strength that naturalized stars can rely on. With a modest body shape, Indonesia must have good tactical skills to compensate.

However, these factors did not appear in the matches against Myanmar and Laos. Even among the 4 goals Indonesia has scored, none of them came from live ball attacks. 3 of them came from Arhan’s throw-ins, the remaining goals came from corner kicks.

The Indonesian team is like a picture with disjointed color schemes and layouts. Coach Shin Tae-yong and his team still have many things to do if they want to leave Viet Tri Stadium with a score on December 15.