Indonesia confirms their spot in the World Cup playoffs with 1-0 win over China

Jakarta: Ole Romenij’s penalty steered Indonesia to 1-0 win against China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday.

The win at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium meant Indonesia confirmed their spot in the playoffs - where an additional two spots will be at stake - after Bahrain suffered a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their tie.

Indonesia had the first sight on goal in the second minute with Ricky Kambuaya finding space to unleash a long range effort but it sailed wide of China PR goalkeeper Wang Dalei’s right post.

Knowing they had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, China PR also started on an aggressive note with teenager Wang Yudong, making his international debut, going close following a fast break.

Indonesia, however, were the more offensive side with Egy Maulana Vikri playing a well-timed ball deep into the box for Yakob Sayuri, whose cutback was cleared while Ole pulled his effort just wide off the right post.

China PR should have done better in the 22nd minute when Han Pengfei flashed his header over the bar off Serginho’s corner before Indonesia had an attempt from Ole but his effort was comfortably gathered by Wang.

The pressure eventually got to the East Asian side with Yang Zexiang conceding a penalty for bringing Ricky down - which was awarded after a VAR review - with Ole converting for this third goal in as many matches.

Indonesia could have gone further ahead just before the break when Thom Haye released Egy through on goal but Zhu Chenjie’s interception stopped the Dewa United midfielder.

Group C: Indonesia v China PR

Branko Ivankovic sent on Liu Chengyu and Jiang Guangtai after the break but it was Wang Yudong who nearly found the equaliser, his effort forcing Indonesia keeper Emil Audero into producing a fine save.

Desperate to get back into the game, China PR kept pushing but were almost undone at the other end in the 78th minute when Calvin Verdonk set up the unmarked Ole, who forced the best out of Wang.

Head coach Ivankovic then threw Wei Shihao and Wang Ziming into the fray but China PR were unable to muster clear cut chances as their hopes of advancing to the playoffs were dashed while Indonesia kept their hopes of appearing at the global showpiece alive.