The Garuda Soars, Indonesia鈥檚 Historic Football Victory Inspires a Nation
JAKARTA, Indonesia 鈥� Tuesday evening (19/11/2024) at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium will forever be etched in Indonesian football history. In front of 70,000 roaring fans, the Garuda squad clinched a monumental 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, breaking five national records and reigniting Indonesia鈥檚 dreams of competing on the world stage.
Marselino Ferdinand was the hero of the night, scoring both goals with clinical precision in the 32nd and 57th minutes. The team, under coach Shin Tae-yong, executed a counterattacking strategy that proved too much for their highly ranked opponents.
Five Records, One Unforgettable Night
Indonesia鈥檚 historic 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers was about more than just the final score 鈥� it shattered long-standing barriers and set five remarkable records. This triumph marked the Garuda squad鈥檚 first competitive win against Saudi Arabia, breaking a 41-year drought since earning a point against them in 1983.
It also showcased Indonesia鈥檚 consistent success against FIFA Top 100 teams, with recent points earned against Bahrain and Australia. The victory was a milestone as Indonesia鈥檚 first win in the third round of World Cup qualifiers since 1986, while also solidifying their position as the best-performing ASEAN team in this stage, surpassing Vietnam鈥檚 previous record.
Additionally, the win is projected to lift Indonesia to 127th in FIFA rankings, their highest position since 2011, reflecting the team鈥檚 steady rise in international football.
A Nation Unites Behind the Garuda
This victory is more than a football triumph 鈥� it鈥檚 a unifying moment. From Jakarta鈥檚 bustling streets to remote villages, the win has inspired national pride and optimism. 鈥淚t鈥檚 proof that we can achieve great things on the global stage. We must support Shin Tae-yong as the head coach, and of course all the players 鈥� and place our trust in Erick Thohir as the Chairman of PSSI to lead Indonesia鈥檚 national football to its glory,鈥� said Chaider Bamualim, UIII鈥檚 University Secretary, who is also a lifelong Garuda supporter.
For the team, the journey has just begun, but the momentum is undeniable. As they look ahead to upcoming qualifiers, the Garuda squad carries the weight of a nation鈥檚 hopes and the belief that anything is possible. []