Ole Romeny Equals Ilham Jayakesuma, Indonesia's Struggle Towards the World Cup Continues

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The dream of the Indonesian national team towards the 2026 World Cup has entered a new phase. The 1-0 victory over China on Thursday (5/6/2025) evening WIB, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, secured Indonesia a spot in the fourth round to be held next October.

Similar to the eighth match against Bahrain, the positive result for the "Garuda" squad was achieved through a solitary goal from the Oxford United striker, Ole Romeny. Ole's third goal for Indonesia was scored via a penalty kick in the 44th minute.

The penalty was awarded by the referee from Uzbekistan, Rustam Lutfullin, after watching the replay on the video assistant referee (VAR). The incident began with a foul by the Chinese defender against midfielder Ricky Kambuaya.

Ole has now secured a place among the best strikers in Indonesia, referring to his performance in the World Cup qualification matches. The goals scored by Ole in three consecutive games align him with Ilham Jayakesuma. The legend of Persita Tangerang scored in three consecutive games during the 2026 World Cup qualification.

"Yes, (likened by Ole) yes thank God. Ha-ha-ha," said Ilham to Kompas via short message.

The acquisition of three points, as hoped, in the final home match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualification has allowed the "Garuda" squad to accumulate 12 points. Indonesia has eliminated China from the competition for the 2026 World Cup. On the other hand, Bahrain also cannot finish better than Indonesia if they end with the same points. This is because the Middle Eastern team has a poorer head-to-head record against Indonesia.

As a result, the collection of points ensures that Indonesia has secured a position in the top four, primarily sitting in either third or fourth place. With at least holding the fourth position, Jay Idzes and his teammates will become one of the six teams competing for two direct tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Indonesia's chance to secure the second position alongside Japan for qualification to the 2026 World Cup has been definitively eliminated. The reason is that Australia managed to defeat Japan 1-0 in a match at Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia, on Thursday evening local time. The solitary goal from left-back Aziz Behich brought the "Socceroos" closer to maintaining their tradition of qualifying for the World Cup finals for six consecutive editions.

Australia can secure its position as Japan's companion from Group C if Saudi Arabia fails to defeat Bahrain on Friday (6/5/2025) early morning WIB. If Saudi wins, then the match between Saudi and Australia in Jeddah next Tuesday will determine the occupant of the second place.

Defeating China is not merely about extending Indonesia's breath towards the grandest stage of football under the sky; this result also marks a new historical record in encounters with the "Dragon Team," as China is nicknamed. For the first time, Indonesia has managed to defeat China at the SUGBK.

In the three previous meetings at the Asian Games 1962 heritage stadium, Indonesia was held to a draw by China twice during Ganefo 1963 and the 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers, and then suffered a defeat in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.

In the historical context of matches against China overall, Indonesia has secured two victories. Indonesia's first victory over China in a home match occurred in May 1957 during the qualification for the 1958 World Cup. At that time, Ramang scored two goals that led to Indonesia's victory, witnessed by approximately 80,000 spectators who filled the Ikada Field in Jakarta.

In terms of gameplay, China was able to match Indonesia. China recorded the first moment of ball possession advantage in the away match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

At SUGBK, the Dragon Team recorded 52 percent ball possession. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the average of 25 percent ball possession in the previous four away matches. This indicates that Coach Branko Ivankovic from China is determined to pursue victory.

Meanwhile, Indonesia was superior in creating chances. The Garuda squad's 13 shots were far superior to China's five shots.

Indonesia created two precise shots on target in each half. The best threats were recorded by Ole, resulting in a goal, followed by Kevin Diks in the 79th minute. Meanwhile, China only tested the resilience of Indonesia's debut goalkeeper, Emil Audero, once.