Indonesia is one step closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in its history after a tense 1-0 victory over China. This match, part of the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers, took place in Jakarta on Thursday and effectively dashed China’s hopes of making it to the tournament.
The only goal of the game came from Ole Romeny, who scored from the penalty spot in the first half. The penalty was awarded just before halftime when Yang Zexiang fouled Ricky Kambuaya. This moment shifted the momentum, as China had been applying pressure on Indonesia’s defense prior to the penalty.
Despite Indonesia’s early struggles, they managed to secure the win. Kambuaya had an attempt that went wide, while China’s Wang Yudong, making his international debut at just 18, posed a threat with a counter-attack but missed the target. China had its best chance when Han Pengfei headed over the bar from a corner.
This victory is crucial for Indonesia as they prepare for their final group game against Japan on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Australia also made headlines by defeating Japan 1-0, moving closer to securing their qualification spot. The stakes are high in these qualifiers, with Indonesia now in a strong position to reach the World Cup, a feat they last achieved in 1938.