The Indonesian national team kept pace with Australia goalless in the Group C match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The match was attended by 70,059 spectators.
The match opened with a promising attack from Team Indonesia. In less than 23 seconds, Indonesia had two shots on target.
First from Walsh with a shot from the front that goalkeeper Mat Ryan tipped over; Struick grabbed the wild ball and also fired a shot on goal from the right side but was again tipped over by Ryan.
But after that, throughout the match, Australia pressed the defence of the Garuda (as the Indonesian team is called).
In the first half, Indonesia, which was reinforced by players like when they drew Saudi Arabia 1-1 in the first match of Group C, except for Thom Haye and Witan Sulaeman, who Justin Hubner and Marcelino Ferdinan replaced, immediately appeared to be pressing.
The first half was a 0-0 draw. In the second half, Witan replaced Rafael Struick.
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The Indonesian national team dominated in the 10 minutes of the second half. Ragnar had two opportunities, but unfortunately, they did not produce results; even Marselino’s shot still bounced.
Goalkeeper Maarten Paes was also impressed when Team Indonesia hosted Australia. He was even named the best player in the Indonesia vs Australia match.
Despite not managing to win, the Indonesian national team still increased in ranking in the FIFA rankings. This is due to the opponent’s higher ranking.
Based on information from Footyranking, the Indonesian national team has now moved up two places with an additional 8.57 points, bringing Indonesia’s total points to 1124.17. With this result, Indonesia’s position is currently at 130, having previously been overtaken by Malaysia, which is now at 132.
Indonesian Team Coach Shin Tae Yong’s Opinion
After the match, Indonesian Team coach Shin Tae Yong admitted that the match against Australia was very difficult. However, he judged the Indonesian players to have worked hard.
“The players have worked hard, we just have to move forward, and the team that we inevitably will continue to develop. So I want to thank the players,” he said in the press conference after the match.
Meanwhile, Australian national team coach Graham Arnold regretted the many opportunities his squad wasted in the match against Indonesia.
“We had many opportunities but again missed them,” Arnold said after the match.
