Garuda made new history at GBK with a brilliant 2-0 victory over the Philippines, bringing Indonesia closer to the world football stage

Indonesia has reached a significant milestone in football by advancing to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after a 2-0 victory against the Philippines. This crucial match took place at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Not only does this victory propel Indonesia into the next phase of the World Cup Qualifiers, but it also secures a spot in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup. President Joko Widodo celebrated this landmark achievement and praised the dedication of the players and coach Shin Tae-yong.

Key Goals from Thom Haye and Rizky Ridho

Indonesia entered the game with determination and dominated the field. The first breakthrough came in the 32nd minute from Thom Haye, who seized a swift counter-attack opportunity. Haye's precise shot from outside the penalty box was beyond the reach of the Philippines' goalkeeper, Kevin Mendoza, putting Indonesia ahead 1-0. The stadium erupted in cheers, but the Garuda squad kept up the intensity.

In the second half, the Philippines, already out of contention for the next round, played more aggressively. Under coach Tom Saintfiet, they pushed hard to equalize, creating several scoring threats against Ernando Ari’s goal. However, Indonesia's defense remained firm and disciplined, effectively neutralizing the Philippine attacks.

Then, in the 56th minute, Rizky Ridho extended Indonesia’s lead. A free-kick on the right side of the Philippines’ defense saw Nathan deliver a pinpoint cross, which Ridho headed into the net, making it 2-0. The crowd's excitement soared, reflecting the team's robust performance and heightened spirit.

Government and Public Support

The triumph was underscored by strong support from both the Indonesian government and the public. At this pivotal match, President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana attended, joined by key officials such as Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Communication and Information Technology Budi Arie Setiadi, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, and PSSI Deputy Chairmen Zainudin Amali and Ratu Tisha.

The presence of top government figures highlighted the event’s national importance. This victory mirrored the Garuda team’s hard work and dedication, who had trained intensively and fought valiantly on the field. In his speech, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude and pride for this accomplishment, wishing the Indonesian National Team continued success on the international stage.

Progress Towards the 2026 World Cup

With this win, Indonesia solidified its second-place position in Group F of the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, amassing 10 points from six matches. This total was enough to outpace Vietnam, which had collected only 6 points and had one remaining match against Iraq. Iraq had already secured the top spot in Group F.

In the upcoming third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the 18 qualifying teams will be divided into three groups of six. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. The third and fourth-placed teams will enter a fourth round of qualifiers to compete for the remaining two direct tickets. The third-round matches are scheduled to begin on September 5, 2024, marking a crucial step for Indonesia toward the global football stage.

Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges

Indonesia's advancement to the third round brings both pride and new challenges. The national team will face stronger opponents from across Asia, all equally determined to qualify for the World Cup. Coach Shin Tae-yong and his squad must enhance their performance and strategies to compete at a higher level effectively.

With comprehensive preparation and robust support from both the community and the government, Indonesia is well-positioned to make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The players’ determination in every match inspires hope and excitement among football fans nationwide. Through teamwork and relentless effort, the Indonesian National Team can achieve the dream of competing on the world’s largest football stage.

This accomplishment demonstrates Indonesia’s ability to compete internationally and opens the door to greater achievements in the future. With enduring spirit and resolve, let us rally behind the Garuda team on their path to the 2026 World Cup.

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