In a night filled with emotion and pride, the Indonesian national football team carved their name into the history books by defeating China 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The match, played in front of a roaring crowd at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025, was more than just a victory—it was a powerful statement. https://www.stardustjewelers.com/ After 38 long years without a win against China, the Garuda squad finally broke the curse. The lone goal, calmly slotted home by Ole Romeny from the penalty spot just before halftime, was enough to seal the game and ignite a nationwide celebration.
This wasn’t just a victory over an opponent; it was the breaking of psychological chains. Indonesia had last defeated China in the King’s Cup of 1987, and since then, every encounter had been a reminder of what seemed like an eternal uphill battle. That changed the moment Ricky Kambuaya earned a penalty after a clever run into the box was halted by a clumsy Chinese tackle. Romeny, standing over the ball with ice in his veins, delivered a strike that not only beat the goalkeeper but also shattered decades of frustration. The stadium erupted, and with it, a generation of fans found a new memory to cherish.
But the significance of this win goes beyond numbers and scorelines. It marked a new era under the leadership of head coach Patrick Kluivert and sporting director Jordi Cruyff, who have brought not only tactical depth but also a sense of belief to the squad. c33nnnngl1.site Their European experience, combined with a new wave of talented Indonesian players, has created a team capable of standing toe-to-toe with Asia’s elite. With this result, Indonesia now stands firmly in contention for the next round of qualifiers, holding 12 points in Group C. Meanwhile, China, once a consistent contender, faces a harsh reality: their dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup is officially over. Their head coach Branko Ivankovic took full responsibility for the loss, acknowledging the urgent need for generational change in Chinese football.
