'Shin Tae-yong Magic'Again, Indonesia's new history,'West Asian powerhouse' overpowered Saudi Arabia 2-0
Nov 19, 2024
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Indonesia won 2-0 in Group C of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Saudi Arabia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on the 19th (Korea time). Marcellino Ferdinand, an attacking midfielder who plays for Oxford United in the English Championship (second division), scored multiple goals to lead his team to victory. Ferdinand calmly finished Ragnar Oratmangun's cutback with a right foot shot in the 32nd minute of the first half in a counterattack. In the 7th minute of the second half, he also scored a chance to score with a counterattack. Indonesia faced a crisis in the 44th minute of the second half when center back Justin Herbner was sent off with a second yellow card, but he showed his back and took the victory.
As a result, Indonesia won the third qualifying round for the first time in six games. He jumped from sixth place to third place with one win, three draws and two losses (six points). Indonesia has increased its chances of qualifying for the fourth round. The first and second in each group of this series will go straight to the World Cup finals. The third and fourth places will decide their fate through the fourth round of qualifying.
It's a historic victory. This is the first time that Indonesia has advanced to the qualifying stage where the team that will qualify for the World Cup finals will be decided. Indonesia won for the first time in its history at this stage. Also, Indonesia secured its first victory over Western Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia.
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Indonesia is immersed in the so-called 「Shin Tae-yong Magic」. He signed an extension with Indonesia until 2027. He also received the honor of receiving 'Gold Visa' as the No. 1 foreign leader who entered Indonesia.
Coach Shin said earlier, `In the long run, I want Indonesia to be in the top 100 of the FIFA rankings. In the short term, it will be in the top three to four of the group in the third qualifying round for the World Cup, which is just around the corner. I want to go out of the playoffs somehow. Under the current circumstances, it is a dream to win first and second place in the group and participate in the World Cup." As of November, Indonesia is ranked 130th in FIFA rankings.
The third Asian qualifying round was not easy. Indonesia hovered at the bottom of the standings with three draws and two losses (3 points) in the first to fifth games. Some even rumored to have Shin replaced him. However, coach Shin was not swayed. He showed his power to catch 'Kang Ho' in a match against Saudi Arabia at home. Saudi Arabia's FIFA ranking is 59th.
epi17@sportschosun.com
