The Road To The 2026 World Cup Is Still Long, But Nothing Is Impossible In Football

JAKARTA The joy of the Indonesian National Team fans spilled over when referee Rustam Lutfullin blew the long whistle signaling the end of the match. This time, Shin Tae-yong's team (STY) won 2-0 over Saudi Arabia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Tuesday (19/11/2024).

After the match, STY revealed the secret of the national team silencing Green Falcons through a pair of Marcelino Ferdinand's goals, namely by lowering the formation of five midfielders. This formation managed to reduce Saudi Arabia's aggressiveness, which according to statistics recorded 76.7 percent possession and 23 shots.

"Because the opponent, Saudi Arabia, has high pressure, so we changed the formation to 3-5-2 from 3-4-3. The three midfielders played a very good role, you could say perfect," Shin said in a press conference after the match.

"Not only did Marselino score two goals so good, but (all midfielders are good) because the instructions I gave were followed well on the pitch," he continued.

Garuda's victory at SUGBK is not an ordinary victory. This is more than just a three-point achievement for Jay Idzes and colleagues. This is the national team's first victory in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, after losing two and three draws in the previous five parties.

Not only that, this is Indonesia's first victory over Saudi Arabia out of a total of 14 meetings since 1981.

What makes this result feel more beautiful is, because four days earlier, the Red and White Team were slaughtered by Japan four goals without reply. Seeing the difference between the rankings of the two teams, Indonesia 130 and Japan 15, it was not surprising that the STY squad had difficulty defeating Samura Biru. Moreover, Japan is a World Cup subscription team.

In the middle of last week's match, Indonesia was actually able to put pressure on Japan at the start of the match. However, the difference in rank which is quite far from the Blue Samurai reached 115 levels, it is already difficult for Garuda to catch up with.

That's why it's not too much if we appreciate the victory of the national team, as said by Imran Nahumarury, a former footballer who is now coaching Liga 1 club Malut United.

"Congratulations on the victory over the national team, this is a victory for the Indonesian people, although the journey is still very long," said Imran while talking to VOI.

"There's nothing wrong with celebrating victory, this is Indonesia's first victory in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers," he added.

Indonesia is currently ranked third in Group C standings by collecting six points. Garuda is also only one point behind Australia, which sits second. Looking at the standings board, the public has high hopes to see Jay Idzes and colleagues finish at the world's biggest football event in 2026.

This hope, said Imran Nahumarury, must exist. But building a strong team that can survive at the World Cup is not as easy as turning the palms. Apart from needing hard work, there is chemistry that a team needs to build.

"Building a team can't be instant, there's a process. Building a team is not easy, how to unite chemistry, how to adapt to team conditions, tactical coaches, even though they are all professional players," explained the man who was born on November 12, 1978.

There are still about four months before Indonesia continues their struggle for the 2026 World Cup. Garuda will face Australia (a trip) and Bahrain (candang) in March next year. After that, China (kandang) and Japan (tempat) are waiting for Indonesia in the last two matches of Group C which will be held in June.

Imran said, so far the progress of the national team has looked positive.

"So far it's been very good, even though the process is still long. There is an opportunity (los), now it depends on the coach, the player must have a dream. Nothing is impossible in football," he explained.

"Travel is still a long way off, but that doesn't mean dreams of appearing don't exist. Just let it flow, dreams must be but don't be a burden. Coaches and players must have dreams," said Imran again.

On paper, it will not be easy for Indonesia to seal tickets for the 2026 World Cup finals, considering that Garuda is the team with the lowest rank in Group C. But as many people think, football is not math because matches are determined every 90 minutes on the pitch.

"Indonesia has that opportunity, we must be optimistic. At the beginning we were pessimistic about Indonesia. But football is not math. Each match is definitely different, of course they have enthusiasm, have a game plan to beat opponents," said the man who had defended Persikota Tangerang and Persija Jakarta.

"Football is also not only tactics, engineering, physical, but also talking about psychology, will, and hard work," he concluded.