TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The match between Indonesia and China in the ninth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone concluded with a decisive 1-0 victory for Indonesia. Playing at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Garuda squad secured their win thanks to an Ole Romeny penalty goal just before halftime.
This victory in their final home match of the third round adds three vital points to Indonesia's tally, bringing their total to 12 points. With this score, Patrick Kluivert's team currently sits in third place in Group C, behind Japan (20 points) and Australia (16 points).
For now, Saudi Arabia has dropped to fourth place with 10 points, as they are yet to play their ninth match away in Bahrain. China remains at the bottom of the standings with six points, matching Bahrain's current score.
The Indonesian national team will play their final match in Japan on Tuesday, June 10. With their current points, the Garuda squad has a strong chance of advancing to the playoffs. To progress to the fourth round, Jay Idzes and his teammates must finish in either third or fourth place in Group C.
Match Highlights
Coach Patrick Kluivert implemented several tactical changes for this match. Notably, goalkeeper Emil Audero made his debut for the Indonesian national team, stepping in for the regular starter, Maarten Paes, who was unavailable due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
In defense, Kluivert opted for a three-center-back formation, deploying Jay Idzes, Rizky Ridho, and Justin Hubner. They were supported on the wings by Yakob Sayuri and Calvin Verdonk. In central midfield, Thom Haye and Joey Pelupessy held their positions.
The attacking line also saw adjustments due to the absence of Ragnar Oratmangoen and Marselino Ferdinan, who were sidelined by illness and yellow card accumulation, respectively. Ricky Kambuaya and Egy Maulana Vikri were fielded as starters to support Ole Romeny, who led the attack as the team's spearhead.
The Indonesian national team initiated an early attack through Ricky Kambuaya, though his shot went wide. A minute later, China launched a counter-attack, but their shot also missed the target.
In the 11th minute, Chinese player Xu Haoyong committed a foul on Yakob Sayuri. Nine minutes later, Egy Maulana Vikri and Ole Romeny combined effectively to breach the Chinese defense, but Romeny's shot ultimately went wide.
Romeny had another opportunity to score in the 25th minute, attempting a volley that sailed over the bar.
The decisive moment arrived in the 40th minute when Ricky Kambuaya, attacking from the right flank, was fouled by Yang Zexiang. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty kick to Indonesia.
Ole Romeny stepped up to take the crucial penalty and successfully converted it, changing the score to 1-0 in favor of the home team in the 45th minute.
The second half began with a dangerous threat to Indonesia's goal in the 47th minute, but goalkeeper Emil Audero made a crucial save to deny China.
Indonesia had a chance to extend their lead in the 64th minute through Egy Maulana Vikri, but his shot went over the bar.
Three minutes later, China created a dangerous opportunity, but a cross from the left side found no takers, keeping Indonesia's goal safe.
In the 74th minute, the Indonesian national team made a double substitution, with Kevin Diks and Beckham Putra replacing Thom Haye and Yakob Sayuri.
Kevin Diks, immediately after coming on, nearly scored, but his shot from a pass by Beckham Putra was saved by the Chinese goalkeeper in the 78th minute.
Towards the end of the match, coach Patrick Kluivert introduced fresh legs, bringing on Stefano Lilipaly and Ivar Jenner for Egy and Ricky Kambuaya. In the 89th minute, Romeny was substituted for Ramadhan Sananta.
In injury time, Calvin Verdonk created an opportunity for Indonesia, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by the Chinese goalkeeper.
Lineups
Indonesian National Team: Emil Audero (GK); Jay Idzes, Justin Hubner, Rizky Ridho; Yakob Sayuri (Beckham Putra '74), Calvin Verdonk, Joey Pelupessy, Thom Haye (Kevin Diks '74); Ricky Kambuaya (Ivar Jenner '83), Egy Maulana Vikri (Stefano Lilipaly '83), Ole Romeny.
Coach: Patrick Kluivert
China National Team: Wang Dalei (GK); Zhu Chenjie, Hu Hetao, Yang Zexiang, Han Pengfei (Tyias Browning '46); Wang Shangyuan, Xu Haoyang (Chengyu Liu '46), Cao Yongjing (Wei Shihao '62), and Sai Erjiniao; Zhang Yuning (Wang Ziming '76) and Wang Yudong.
Coach: Branko Ivankovic
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