Rizky Ridho Calls The Series In The Two 2026 World Cup Qualification Matches Not A Bad Result

Rizky Ridho appeared solidly guarding the Indonesian national team's defense in the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification (Instagram/@persija).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team won two points from the first two matches of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round.

The Garuda squad drew against Saudi Arabia (1-1) on September 6, 2024 and Australia (0-0) on September 10, 2024.

The two points made Indonesia ranked fourth in Group C standings below Japan (6 points), Saudi Arabia (4 points), and Bahrain (3 points).

One of Garuda's squad players, Rizky Ridho, said that the two points from the two parties were not a bad result.

You see, the two teams faced have the title of the Asian giants. In fact, both of them also subscribed to qualify for the World Cup finals.

"The game is going to be very difficult. The opponents are pressing us and we also have a chance. One point is not a bad thing for us," Ridho said after the match against Australia.

Holding back the draw of two strong Asian teams is a meaningful achievement. This makes the Indonesian national team considered a dark horse and no longer worthy of being underestimated.

The world is currently highlighting the appearance of the Garuda Squad. Not only at the Asian level, foreign media from the West also wrote a similar theme 'Indonesia shows the ability to compete with big Asian countries'.

Discipline applies tactics and strategies, especially in defense, stealing attention. Shin Tae-yong's team proved to be able to reduce the attacks of big teams, which frustrated them.

This was confirmed by a statement by Graham Arnold, Australian coach, after fighting the Indonesian national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

"We should have won and won comfortably. We had chances, but we missed chances, again and again.

"Look, I can only do a little, I can't play for them. In the end, we were supposed to beat Bahrain, we missed the chance."

"Today (against Indonesia) we should have won comfortably, but we missed the chance. So, I may be disappointed like all other Australians," Arnold said at The Guardian.

Graham Arnold was clearly surprised by the latest performances of the Indonesian national team. In fact, eight months ago, to be precise in the 2023 Asian Cup in January 2024, the Garuda Squad became Australia's goal barn.

Socceroos won 4-0 to get rid of the Indonesian national team from the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup.

Arnold began to panic seeing competition that was far beyond his expectations.

"So this is not a disaster. I have to go home and think a lot. We don't panic. There's no need to panic," he said trying to cool his head.

Apart from that, two draws against the strong Asian team brought more confidence to the Indonesian national team players.

According to him, the positive result is the result of the hard work of players and coaches. Plus, one match, namely against Australia, was played at home with full support from supporters.

Rizky Ridho further wants to aim to get points in the two closest matches when they travel to Bahrain and China on October 10, 2024.

"This is a blessing from all those in the team and of course 70 thousand people here who support us. Thank you for coming. We will evaluate what our shortcomings are for the next match," said Rizky Ridho.