Jakarta. Indonesia's national football team coach, Shin Tae-yong, remains optimistic about the team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a 2-1 loss to China in their fourth match of the third round of the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Tuesday.

"Although we lost, this is not the end. We will prepare ourselves better for the next match and aim to show an improved performance," Shin said at a post-match press conference, according to an audio recording received by reporters on Wednesday.

Shin expressed satisfaction with the team’s attacking approach, particularly their dominance in ball possession.

"In today’s game, I believe we had more possession, possibly around 70-30. Especially in the first half, I think we controlled about 80 percent of the game. However, unfavorable situations prevented us from scoring," he added.

Indonesia’s campaign in Group C will continue next month. On Nov. 14, 2024, the Garuda squad will host group leaders Japan. Five days later, on Nov. 19, 2024, they will face another Asian powerhouse, Saudi Arabia, also at home.

The result marked China’s first victory in Group C after three consecutive losses, while Indonesia recorded its first defeat following three straight draws.

Despite the setback, Indonesia remains in fifth place with three points from three draws and one loss. China, also with three points, sits in sixth place.

Japan leads Group C with 10 points, followed by Australia in second with five. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain occupy the third and fourth spots, both with four points.

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