Football is more than just a sport in Indonesia; it is a deep-rooted passion that unites millions across the archipelago. When the Indonesian national football team, known as Garuda, steps onto the pitch, they carry the hopes and dreams of their entire nation. In the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Indonesia faced one of their toughest opponents: China. The match, held on October 15, 2024, at 19:00 WIB in Qingdao, was a high-stakes battle, as both teams sought to advance further in the qualification stages.
This article delves into the match details, strategies, and performance, while also exploring the broader significance of the game for Indonesian football. With China securing a narrow 2-1 victory, we will analyze what this result means for Indonesia’s World Cup dreams and the future of football in the country.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Hopes and Challenges
Before the match kicked off, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. Indonesia’s journey in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers had been a rollercoaster of emotions. Coming off a controversial draw against Bahrain just a few days prior, Indonesia was seeking redemption. The game against Bahrain ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after a contentious last-minute goal by Bahrain. This result had sparked heated debates over officiating, leaving Indonesian fans and players frustrated but determined to move forward.
China, on the other hand, was entering the match with a much higher FIFA ranking and a record of dominance over Indonesia in previous encounters. Playing at home in the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium added another layer of advantage for China. The Garuda squad was aware that they would be facing not just the opposing team but also the immense pressure of playing in front of a passionate Chinese crowd.
The Match Begins: A Tactical Battle
From the first whistle, it was clear that Indonesia was ready to fight. Coach Shin Tae-yong’s strategy focused on a solid defense, aiming to absorb China’s aggressive attacks while looking for opportunities to counter-attack. The midfield played a crucial role, with Indonesia trying to maintain possession and slow down the pace of the game. This approach was necessary against a Chinese team that had a physical and technical edge.
China, as expected, dominated the early minutes of the game, pressing high and attempting to break down Indonesia’s defense. Their quick passing and movement off the ball put the Garuda squad under significant pressure. The home crowd roared with every attack, further fueling China’s momentum.
Indonesia’s defensive line, led by veteran center-back Hansamu Yama, held firm during the initial waves of Chinese attacks. However, it was evident that the Indonesian players were tiring quickly, particularly after their energy-draining encounter with Bahrain just a few days earlier.
First Half: China Breaks Through
Despite Indonesia’s resilience, the first major breakthrough came in the 34th minute when China’s star forward, Wu Lei, found the back of the net. A well-orchestrated attack saw the ball being played into the penalty area, where Wu Lei calmly slotted it past Indonesian goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata
The goal was a blow to Indonesia’s morale, but they did not crumble. Coach Shin Tae-yong urged his players to remain composed and continue to stick to their game plan. For the remainder of the first half, Indonesia managed to contain China’s offensive efforts, preventing further damage before halftime.
Second Half: Indonesia Strikes Back
As the second half began, Indonesia showed renewed energy. Recognizing that sitting back and defending was not going to win them the game, they started pushing forward more aggressively. This shift in strategy paid off in the 58th minute when Indonesia’s rising star, Witan Sulaeman, scored a brilliant equalizer. Witan received a perfectly weighted pass from Saddil Ramdani and, after dribbling past two Chinese defenders, placed a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net
The equalizer sent waves of excitement through Indonesian fans, both in the stadium and across the country. The Garuda squad had shown that they were not to be underestimated, even against a stronger opponent. For the next 20 minutes, Indonesia played with greater confidence, controlling possession and creating several promising chances.
Late Drama: China’s Winning Goal
However, as the game entered its final stages, China regained control. With fresh substitutes and a relentless attack, they began to exploit gaps in Indonesia’s defense. In the 82nd minute, China’s persistence paid off when Zhang Yuning scored the winning goal. A well-executed set-piece saw the ball delivered into the box, and Zhang’s powerful header left Nadeo Argawinata with no chance
The final 10 minutes saw Indonesia desperately trying to find another equalizer, but China’s defense remained resolute. When the referee blew the final whistle, it was a heartbreaking 2-1 loss for Indonesia.
Post-Match Reactions: Pride in Defeat
Despite the defeat, there were many positives for Indonesia to take away from the match. Coach Shin Tae-yong praised his players for their fighting spirit and resilience, particularly in the second half. “The team gave everything they had,” he said in the post-match press conference. “We may not have won, but we showed that we can compete at this level. I’m proud of the players, and we will keep improving”
Indonesian fans echoed these sentiments. While disappointed with the result, they took pride in the fact that their team had put up a valiant fight against a stronger opponent. Social media was flooded with messages of support for the Garuda squad, with many fans expressing optimism about the future of Indonesian football under Shin Tae-yong’s leadership.
What’s Next for Indonesia?
The loss to China places Indonesia in a difficult position in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. With only a few games remaining, their chances of advancing to the next stage are slim. However, the experience gained from playing against top teams like China will undoubtedly benefit the Garuda squad in the long run.
Looking ahead, Indonesia will need to regroup and focus on their remaining fixtures. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency and stamina remain areas that need improvement. With young talents like Witan Sulaeman and Saddil Ramdani leading the charge, there is hope that Indonesia can continue to develop and compete at a higher level in the future.
The Broader Impact on Indonesian Football
Beyond the immediate result, this match against China is a reflection of the broader progress that Indonesian football is making. Over the past few years, there has been significant investment in youth development and infrastructure, with the goal of building a stronger national team. The appointment of Shin Tae-yong, a coach with international experience, is part of this long-term strategy.
Indonesian football is also benefiting from greater exposure to international competitions. Playing against higher-ranked teams like China, Japan, and Bahrain provides invaluable experience for the players and helps raise the overall standard of football in the country.
Off the pitch, there is growing enthusiasm for football at all levels in Indonesia. The domestic league, Liga 1, continues to attract large crowds, and there is increasing interest in grassroots football. With continued investment and support, Indonesia has the potential to become a regional powerhouse in Asian football.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, Despite the Loss
The 2-1 defeat to China was undoubtedly a setback for Indonesia in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, the performance of the Garuda squad showed that they are capable of competing at a high level. The match was a valuable learning experience for both the players and coaching staff, and it highlighted the areas that need improvement as they continue their journey.
As Indonesian football continues to grow, matches like these will be key stepping stones toward future success. With a passionate fanbase, talented young players, and a dedicated coaching staff, the future looks bright for Indonesian football. The road to the World Cup may be long and challenging, but Indonesia is on the right path.
