Recovering From The Terrible Incident At SUGBK, Philippine Defender: Thank You Indonesian Fans

Philippine defender Adrian Ugelvik is still being treated after the incident against the Indonesian national team (Twitter/@Adrianugelvik).

JAKARTA - The Filipino defender, Adrian Ugelvik, finally recovered after being involved in a terrible incident when his team faced the Indonesian national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, June 11, 2024. He then expressed his gratitude to Indonesian fans.

The Philippines and the Indonesian national team met in the final match of the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone. In that match, the Garuda Squad as the host won 2-0.

In the midst of feelings that were uncomfortable due to defeat, The Azkals troops were also made worried about the condition of one of the players, namely, Adrian Ugelvik.

Adrian Ugelvik suffered a serious injury in the middle of the match. The incident began when Adrian and Indonesian goalkeeper, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, dueled for air to welcome a free kick from the Philippines in the 86th minute.

Unfortunately for Adrian, his head was hit by Ernando during the duel in the air. Due to losing balance, the 22-year-old defender made a fatal landing where his head landed in the field first.

When he fell, Adrian did not immediately rise. This condition forced medical personnel to enter the field to check his condition.

It took a long time to decide that the defender must receive further treatment. He was immediately taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Had worried the team and the coach, the Norwegian club player, Levanger, finally gave him good news. His condition has now recovered.

In the uploads shared on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Adrian Ugelvik also did not forget to thank the supporters of the Philippines and Indonesia.

"Hello everyone. I would like to thank Filipino fans and Indonesian fans for your sweet and extraordinary greetings," Adrian said on his social media while sharing his photo in treatment.

According to Adrian, support from supporters of both teams plays an important role in the recovery of injury.

"It means a lot and I am very grateful to all of you," said Adrian.

Previously, the Philippines through a social media account announced Adrian had to postpone his return to the Philippines because he had to undergo an examination until Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at a hospital in Jakarta. Luckily, now the defender's condition is better and it is certain to be safe.

"Adrian Ugelvik is in good condition and stable. He will stay in the hospital until tomorrow for further examination," wrote a statement from the Philippine national team.

In addition to supporters' support, the players of both teams also united when Adrian lay on the pitch. They made a circle to cover the defender who was being treated by the medical team so as not to get into the spotlight of the camera and the audience.