The Indonesian National Team's Qualification for the 2026 World Cup is Still Possible, Victory Over Saudi Arabia is Crucial

Kapanlagi.com - The painful defeat of the Indonesian National Team against Japan with a score of 0-4 in the fifth match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers has indeed dashed most hopes of automatic qualification for the final round. However, don't be disheartened! There is still a glimmer of hope for Shin Tae-Yong's squad, especially through the fourth round pathway.

With very tight competition in the standings, Garuda's chance to bounce back greatly depends on the results of the upcoming matches, especially when facing Saudi Arabia. Group C is indeed filled with tough teams like Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, but the chance to finish in third or fourth place is still wide open if Indonesia can make the most of every remaining home and away match.

So, how realistic are those chances? In this article, we will thoroughly analyze the Indonesian National Team's chances and the strategies that could be key to securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

1. Current Condition: Struggle from the Bottom of the Standings

After going through five matches, the Indonesian national team is now stuck at the bottom of Group C with only three points, a situation that is quite concerning after a heavy defeat to Japan. However, the hope to advance to the next round still exists, albeit with hard work required.

Japan currently leads the group with 13 points, followed by Australia, Saudi Arabia, and China, each collecting six points, while Bahrain is slightly better with five points.

Coach Shin Tae-Yong emphasized that the team's fate still depends on the remaining matches. "We must fight and take advantage of every opportunity that arises. Our main target is to secure maximum points at home," he stressed after the match against Japan.

2. Key Match: Win Against Saudi Arabia

The crucial match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, will be a decisive moment for the Indonesian national team to achieve their dream of advancing to the next phase. If Garuda manages to secure a victory, they will open up a golden opportunity to leap to fourth place in the standings.

Although Saudi Arabia is known as a tough team in Group C, they have recently shown signs of weakness by only collecting one point from their last two matches. This presents a valuable opportunity for Indonesia to snatch a win.

However, it is not only their fate that is at stake; the results of other matches will also play a crucial role. If Australia manages to defeat Bahrain and China falls to Japan, then Indonesia's chances of moving up to fourth place will be even brighter.

3. Potential Qualification Scheme: Finishing in Fourth Place

Indonesia is now on the verge of an opportunity to advance to the fourth round, provided they finish in third or fourth place. The competition is getting tighter, as the point gap between Indonesia and the teams in second to fifth place is only three points.

To achieve this goal, the most realistic scenario is to secure victories in three home matches against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China. If they succeed in collecting nine points from these three matches, Indonesia will accumulate a total of 12 points, which is almost certainly enough to ensure a spot in fourth place.

Although the away matches against Japan and Australia could pose a significant challenge, even a draw could provide very valuable additional points for the Red and White team.

4. Challenges in the Fourth Round: Ready to Face Arab Nations

If they manage to break into the fourth round, the Indonesian national team will face Arab countries that have a glorious historical track record in Asian football. Teams such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq are ready to test the resilience of Garuda.

Coach Shin Tae-Yong acknowledges that this round will be a significant challenge, considering the opponents they will face have experience and quality.

"We must prepare to face highly competitive teams," asserted Shin in a recent press conference. Therefore, thorough preparation and smart strategies are key to achieving the final hope towards the 2026 World Cup.

5. Opportunities and Threats: What Should Be Done?

Every second of the remaining match must be utilized with careful strategy, as a victory against Saudi Arabia is not just a number on the scoreboard, but a crucial stepping stone towards success.

Consistency in the upcoming matches is the key, while the physical and mental condition of the players must not be overlooked. Coach Shin Tae-Yong is committed to ensuring that the players remain fit and focused on the right tactics according to the opponent's strengths.

However, the challenges are getting closer, with teams like Bahrain and China also vying for the fourth position, making every match feel like a "final" for Indonesia.

(kpl/rmt)