'SINDAEYONG Magic' continues.
Indonesia, led by head coach Shin Tae-yong, drew 1-1 in the first Group C match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Saudi Arabia at King Abdulla Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the 6th (Korea time). Indonesia, which succeeded in advancing to the third qualifying round of the World Cup for the first time in its history beyond Vietnam and the Philippines in the second qualifying round, succeeded in collecting points from the first game, and even away to Saudi Arabia. It is the first point in the third qualifying round in Indonesian soccer history.
It was not an easy challenge. Saudi Arabia's FIFA ranking is 56th. It is one step higher than Indonesia, which is 133rd. Saudi Arabia has a lot of experience in the World Cup, and Roberto Mancini, a world-renowned master who led Manchester City and the Italian national team, is at the helm.
Indonesia further strengthened its naturalization plan in time for the third qualifying round. It was joined by former Justine Huvner, Rafael Strwick, Calvin Perdonk, who plays for the Netherlands' Eredivisie, and Jay Eze, who plays in Serie A in Italy. Martin Paes, the U.S. Major League Soccer All-Star goalkeeper, also joined the team. Coach Shin Tae-yong, who built a dark horse-class power, said, `I will never give up. 1st or 2nd place in the group will be difficult, but I want to advance to PO as 3rd or 4th place. I'll try until the end."
Indonesia faced Saudi Arabia with a counterattack after the defense. He scored the first goal in the 19th minute of the first half. Ragnar Onatmangun shook the Saudi net with the help of Witan Sulier alone in the counterattack. The Saudis also fought back. Al Jouair scored the equalizer in the first half extra time.
Saudi Arabia's offensive became stronger in the second half. Ahead of the third qualifying round, goalkeeper Paes, who was naturalized, shone. After blocking a penalty kick in the 33rd minute of the second half, he also hit all the fantastic shots of the opponent just before the end. Indonesia won valuable points in a 34-66 possession, 7-18 shooting, and an absolute inferiority game.
Coach Shin told CNN Indonesia after the game, `It was a difficult game and the atmosphere was tough, but our players played well and it was touching. be satisfied with the result"'Indonesia will be the dark horse of this group.'"
Indonesia got off to a good start tied for third place in Group C. Coach Shin, who is creating Shin Tae-yong's magic in Indonesia, has continued to make a splash in the third qualifying round, including making it to the semifinals for the first time ever at the U-23 Asian Cup. In the third qualifying round, 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six teams and play a full league home and away. A total of six teams, ranked first and second in each group, will win tickets to the World Cup finals. Indonesia, along with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China, was placed in Group C, the sign of death.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
