Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Victory Indonesian National Team over Saudi Arabia (2-0) in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was welcomed by the Malaysian media. They said the Indonesian national team created a sensation with Marselino Ferdinan as the hero in it.
As reported by Berita Harian and Makan Bola, this historic victory was the first for the Garuda Squad in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications.
Marselino Ferdinan emerged as the hero of the victory after scoring two spectacular goals that silenced the visitors. The first goal was created in the 32nd minute using Ragnar Oratmangoen’s assist, while the second goal came in the 57th minute through a stunning individual action after receiving Calvin Verdonk’s pass.
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Shin Tae Yong’s men played with determination from the start of the match. Rafael Struick and Marselino Ferdinan, who were trusted to lead Indonesia’s attack line, succeeded in posing a serious threat to Saudi Arabia’s defense.
Indonesia’s superiority in the first half made Herve Renard’s team look frustrated. Even though Saudi Arabia tried to get back up at the start of the second half with several free kicks, they failed to produce results.
This victory had a positive impact on Indonesia’s ranking in Group C. The Garuda squad is now in third place by collecting six points from six matches, shifting Saudi Arabia to fourth place.
In terms of FIFA world rankings, this historic victory gave Indonesia an additional 19.16 points. This brought Indonesia’s total points to 1135.1 and rose to 127th in the world.
Drama occurred towards the end of the match when Justin Hubner was given a red card in the 89th minute. However, this did not change the final result for the hosts’ victory.
Indonesia still has four matches remaining in Group C. The Garuda team will face Australia in March 2025, followed by a home match against Bahrain, China, and closing with an away match to Japan’s headquarters in June 2025.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(afr/jal)
Garuda Soars: Indonesia’s Stunning Win Over Saudi Arabia!
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Oh, what a thrilling moment for Indonesian football fans, as the Indonesian National Team emerges triumphant with a splendid 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers! Talk about a match that could revive even the most deadpan expressions – I mean, if you’ve seen Rowan Atkinson, you’ll know what I mean!
Marselino Ferdinan: The Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed
It appears that some heroes don’t wear capes; they lace up their boots instead! Marselino Ferdinan was the star of the show, lighting up the pitch like a firework on New Year’s Eve, scoring both spectacular goals that had the Saudi team looking like lost tourists asking for directions.
The first goal came in the 32nd minute courtesy of a lovely assist from Ragnar Oratmangoen. Then, just when everyone thought it couldn’t get any better, our lad Marselino scored again in the 57th minute after a dazzling display of footwork that could hardly be believed – even by that bloke who claims to have seen everything!
A Match of Determination and Drama
Shin Tae Yong’s boys were on fire right from the whistle! Rafael Struick and Marselino were like a pair of kids in a candy store, wreaking havoc on the Saudi defense. Watching them was like binge-watching your favorite show: you just can’t look away, right?
Despite Saudi Arabia attempting to bounce back with an array of free kicks that might as well have been taken from a distance that’d require a road trip, their efforts bore no fruit. It was all about Indonesia, and they weren’t having any of it. Even with a dramatic red card for Justin Hubner in the 89th minute—talk about peak drama—the victory was never in doubt. What a night!
Moving Up in the World – Literally!
This monumental win doesn’t just look good on highlights; it’s a big deal for Indonesia’s standings too! The Garuda Squad now sits comfortably in third place in Group C, putting them ahead of Saudi Arabia. It’s a reversal of fortune worth celebrating with some delicious rendang, perhaps?
And if that’s not enough, they’ve gained a nifty 19.16 points in FIFA rankings, inching their way to 127th in the world. They might not be at the top yet, but let’s face it – everyone loves an underdog story!
Looking to the Future
But hold onto your hats, folks! Indonesia still has four matches remaining in Group C. They’ll soon be facing Australia, Bahrain, China, and then a showdown against Japan. Talk about a busy schedule! If they’re not careful, they might need a new set of boots before it’s all said and done, or at least a good foot massage!
In Conclusion: The Spirit of Garuda Shines Bright!
Let this victory serve as a warning to those who doubted Indonesia’s football prowess! They’ve delivered a message louder than a Lee Evans performance – entertaining, energetic, and utterly unforgettable. Here’s to more stunning displays, passionate fans, and perhaps a few extra goals along the way!
So, raise your glasses, folks; it’s time to celebrate Indonesian football! May the Garuda continue to soar high!
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Victory for the Indonesian National Team over Saudi Arabia (2-0) in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was hailed as a momentous achievement by Malaysian media, who lauded the performance of the Indonesian squad, particularly singling out Marselino Ferdinan as the standout star of the match.
As reported by Berita Harian and Makan Bola, this historic win marked the Garuda Squad’s first triumph in the crucial third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications, a significant milestone in their campaign.
Marselino Ferdinan truly stole the spotlight by scoring both goals that clinched the victory, showcasing remarkable skill and poise. His first goal arrived in the 32nd minute, a deft finish set up by an assist from Ragnar Oratmangoen, which sent the home fans into a frenzy. The second came shortly after the half-time break in the 57th minute, a breathtaking individual effort following a perfectly timed pass from Calvin Verdonk that left the Saudi defenders bewildered.
Shin Tae Yong’s men showcased a fierce determination from the opening whistle, with Rafael Struick and Marselino Ferdinan spearheading Indonesia’s attack and consistently challenging Saudi Arabia’s defensive line. Their collective effort created significant pressure, forcing Herve Renard’s side into a defensive shell.
This victory had a positive impact on Indonesia’s ranking in Group C. The Garuda squad is now in third place by collecting six points from six matches, shifting Saudi Arabia to fourth place, reflecting a turnaround in their competitive standing.
In terms of FIFA world rankings, this historic victory gave Indonesia an additional 19.16 points, enhancing their total to 1135.1 and propelling them to 127th in the global standings, a noteworthy advancement for the team.
Drama unfolded towards the end of the match when Justin Hubner received a red card in the 89th minute, adding tension to an otherwise celebratory atmosphere. However, this late development did not affect the outcome of the match, securing the win for the hosts.
Indonesia still has four matches remaining in Group C on their path to qualification. The Garuda team will face Australia in March 2025, followed by crucial home matches against Bahrain and China, culminating in an away showdown against Japan in June 2025, as they strive to further improve their standings.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(afr/jal)
How did Marselino’s goals impact Indonesia’s performance against Saudi Arabia?
Minute, following a precise assist from Ragnar Oratmangoen, setting the stage for what would become a memorable night for Indonesian football. Just 25 minutes later, Marselino struck again in the 57th minute, this time dazzling the crowd with an impressive individual effort, showcasing his exceptional talent after receiving a pass from Calvin Verdonk.
The determination displayed by Shin Tae Yong’s squad was evident from the opening whistle. With Rafael Struick and Marselino at the forefront of Indonesia’s attacking maneuvers, they continually posed threats to the Saudi Arabian defense. The first half was dominated by Indonesia, leaving the Saudi players visibly frustrated as they struggled to find their rhythm.
Despite attempts to regroup with several free kicks early in the second half, Saudi Arabia was unable to penetrate Indonesia’s resolute defense or make an impact on the scoreboard. Indonesia maintained control, and the highlight of the match was undoubtedly their two-goal lead.
Despite a dramatic twist late in the game, when Justin Hubner received a red card in the 89th minute, the solid performance from the Garuda Squad ensured that the match concluded with their victory intact. This result significantly bolstered Indonesia’s standings in Group C, now positioning them in third place with a total of six points from six matches, pushing Saudi Arabia down to fourth place.
In terms of FIFA rankings, the win added an encouraging 19.16 points to Indonesia’s tally, bringing their total to 1135.1 and elevating them to 127th place globally. This triumph is not only a testament to their current capabilities but also a stepping stone for future achievements.
Looking ahead, the Indonesian National Team has four more matches lined up in Group C. They are set to face Australia in March 2025, followed by crucial home fixtures against Bahrain and China before concluding their campaign with an away match against Japan in June 2025.
This landmark victory serves as a prime example of Indonesia’s growing potential on the international stage. The spirit of the Garuda Squad is shining brighter than ever, igniting hope and excitement among fans and players alike!
Let the celebrations begin, as the Indonesian National Team rallies towards achieving their dreams on the world football stage!
(afr/jal)