History was made on Tuesday night as Indonesia clinch their first-ever win in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers as two goals from Marselino Ferdinan helped the Timnas Garuda to a vital 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
The victory propelled Indonesia to six points, placing them level with Saudi Arabia, China, and Bahrain in a highly competitive Group C.
The match began with an aggressive Indonesia on the front foot, almost taking the lead in the opening minute when Ivar Jenner threaded a perfectly-timed through ball to Marselino. The midfielder’s shot beat Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Al Kassar but ricocheted off the right post.
Indonesia were out to prove a point following their heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of group favorites Japan four days prior and Shin Tae-yong’s men maintained their attacking momentum, creating another opportunity in the fifth minute. Rizky Ridho launched a long ball to Ragnar Oratmangoen, whose close-range shot was blocked by Hassan Tambakti. The ensuing scramble saw Sandy Walsh’s dangerous cross forced away by Al Kassar, but Oratmangoen’s follow-up effort was blocked, and Marselino’s subsequent attempt drifted wide.
Indonesia continued to expose Saudi Arabia’s defense with sharp through balls, including one in the eighth minute from Thom Haye that sent Rafael Struick through on goal. However, Struick’s grounded shot was parried by the onrushing Al Kassar.
The pressure on Saudi Arabia was relentless, with Justin Hubner heading just wide, while the visitors struggled to create meaningful chances. Marwan Al Sahafi sent a shot over the bar in the 19th minute, and Mohammed Al Qahtani had an effort blocked from inside the box.
Indonesia capitalized on their dominance in the 32nd minute. Oratmangoen surged down the left wing and delivered a precise cutback for Marselino, who hammered the ball into the net, leaving Al Kassar helpless.
Hervé Renard’s Saudi Arabia pushed for an equalizer, with Faisal Al Ghamdi testing Indonesia goalkeeper Maarten Paes shortly after. However, missed opportunities from Nasser Al Dawsari and Feras Al Brikan left the visitors frustrated at halftime.
In the second half, Saudi Arabia came out aggressively but left themselves vulnerable at the back. Indonesia punished their defensive lapses in the 57th minute when Calvin Verdonk powered into the box and set up Marselino. After his initial shot was saved, Marselino calmly lifted the rebound over Al Kassar to double Indonesia’s lead.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute after Justin Hubner received a second yellow card, Indonesia held firm to secure their first-ever victory at this stage of the World Cup qualifiers, sending shockwaves through the group and igniting hopes of a successful campaign.
And with the six points that they’ve got, Indonesia have already achieved the best showing from a Southeast Asian nation in the current format of qualifiers, with Thailand only getting two points in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and Vietnam getting four points in their 2022 World Cup qualifying run.