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Indonesia defeated China 1-0 in Jakarta on Thursday, keeping their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive and moving up to third in Group C.
The crucial match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium drew an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 70,000 home fans, who witnessed a closely contested battle that was ultimately decided by a penalty.
Both teams started cautiously, relying primarily on counter-attacks and direct passes. Indonesia had the first opportunity in the second minute, when Ricky Kambuaya fired a shot from 26 meters, narrowly missing the target. China responded minutes later with a promising attack, but Wang Yudong’s attempt went wide.
The hosts gradually took control of possession, and in the 25th minute, striker Ole Romeny missed a good chance as his shot soared over the bar following a quick breakaway. China had their moments as well, especially in the 22nd minute when a lack of communication between goalkeeper Emil Audero and captain Jay Idzes nearly gifted China a goal from a corner kick.
Indonesia finally broke the deadlock just before halftime. In the 40th minute, after a VAR review, the referee awarded Indonesia a penalty following a foul by China’s Yang Zexiang on Kambuaya. Romeny calmly stepped up and scored from the spot, igniting celebrations among tens of thousands of Indonesian fans.
Indonesia score against China from the penalty spot in the World Cup qualifier on June 5, 2025.
The second half saw China make immediate tactical adjustments, shifting to a 4-3-3 formation, intensifying their aggression. The visitors nearly found an equalizer early in the half, with Wang forcing a spectacular save from goalkeeper Audero.
Despite China’s attempts to push forward, Indonesia remained dangerous on counter-attacks. Kevin Diks had a golden opportunity in the 79th minute, but his shot was brilliantly stopped by the Chinese keeper.
In the closing stages, China increased their pressure, leading to several physical encounters, including a rough tackle by Wei Shihao on Joey Pelupessy, earning Wei a yellow card.
Indonesia effectively managed the final minutes, bolstering their defense with substitutions to secure a vital three points.
The 1-0 victory lifts Indonesia to third place in Group C, after Japan and Australia, renewing their hopes for World Cup qualification, while China remain rooted at the bottom after suffering their fourth straight defeat.
Indonesia will aim to build on this momentum in their remaining qualifiers, as their quest for a historic World Cup berth continues.
