Indonesia has given its chances for a 2026 World Cup ticket a significant boost on Tuesday. Thanks to two goals by Marselino Ferdinan, Timnas secured a sensational victory over Saudi Arabia in Jakarta.
Embed from Getty Images
Indonesia's World Cup aspirations received a massive boost with an extraordinary performance against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, defying the odds and reigniting hope after a tough start in the third phase of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
Just days earlier, Indonesia had endured a crushing 4-0 defeat against Japan, raising doubts about their chances of progressing further in the competition. With their backs against the wall, the team needed to deliver something extraordinary at the Utama Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and they did just that.
Head coach Tae-Yong Shin made bold decisions heading into the match, fielding eight players born in the Netherlands to strengthen the squad. The game against Saudi Arabia was always going to be a formidable challenge. The Saudis, who famously defeated Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, came into the match as strong favorites, bringing experienced players like Saud Abdulhamid from AS Roma into the starting lineup. Their dominance in possession throughout the match underscored their status as group heavyweights.
However, Indonesia chose a pragmatic approach, prioritizing solid defensive organization and counterattacking opportunities. This strategy proved to be the perfect antidote to Saudi Arabia’s possession-heavy game. After absorbing pressure in the opening half-hour, Indonesia capitalized on a rare attacking opportunity. Ragnar Oratmangoen delivered a perfectly timed pass to Marselino Ferdinan, who fired a clinical shot into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures. The Oxford United midfielder’s goal not only electrified the stadium but also showcased Indonesia’s potential to upset the odds.
The early lead forced Saudi Arabia to adjust their game plan, intensifying their offensive efforts to claw back into the match. However, Indonesia’s disciplined defensive line remained resolute. The home team, fully aware of the stakes, doubled down on their defensive strategy while waiting for another counterattack opportunity. Just before the hour mark, the strategy bore fruit again. Marselino Ferdinan once more stepped up to the moment. Benefiting from a lucky bounce, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder displayed composure and remarkable skill, chipping the ball delicately over the goalkeeper to secure Indonesia’s second goal.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s relentless pressure, Indonesia’s defense held firm. Justin Hubner, a key figure in the backline, led the defensive efforts with determination. However, his commitment came at a cost, as he received a second yellow card in the final minute of regulation time. Reduced to ten players, Indonesia remained steadfast, and the victory never truly appeared under threat. This win marked a significant milestone for Timnas, as it was their first triumph in the third phase of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, following three draws and two losses.
The 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia significantly tightened the competition in Group C, which has become one of the most fiercely contested groups in the qualifiers. With this win, Indonesia climbed to third place, now level on points with both Saudi Arabia and China. Meanwhile, China suffered a setback, losing to Japan 2-0 in a match where Koki Ogawa of NEC starred with two goals. The stakes in Group C are incredibly high, as the top two teams from each of the three groups will secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, the teams finishing in third and fourth place will move on to the fourth phase of the qualification process, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Indonesia’s remarkable victory has not only improved their position in the standings but also reignited the dreams of a nation. The team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity have inspired fans across the country. The Utama Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was a cauldron of passion and energy, as supporters rallied behind their team with unrelenting enthusiasm. Their role in motivating the players to deliver such a memorable performance cannot be overstated.
As the qualifiers progress, Indonesia faces a challenging road ahead. However, this victory has proven that they are capable of competing at the highest level. With renewed confidence and the backing of a passionate fan base, Timnas will be looking to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of a historic World Cup berth. For now, the team and its supporters can savor the joy of an incredible win that has brought Indonesia one step closer to their dream of appearing on football’s biggest stage.
