Marselino Ferdinand Praised by Leading World Media After Bringing Indonesia to Silence Saudi Arabia

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Marselino Ferdinan received a lot of praise after leading the Indonesian National Team to a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match for the Asian zone at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Station, Jakarta, Tuesday (19/11/2024) evening.

Two goals scored by Marselino Ferdinan in the first and second half ensured three points for Indonesia, as well as lifting the position of the Garuda National Team to third place in Group C standings.

Praise for Marselino not only came from within the country, but also well-known media abroad also praised the performance of the 20-year-old Indonesian National Team attacking midfielder.

One of them ESPN. The world’s leading entertainment and sports media based in the United States even broadcast an article entitled “Indonesian hero Marselino Ferdinan will continue to maintain his belief in achieving his dream of going to the FIFA World Cup.

ESPN said that Marselino has felt a lot of happiness in his career which is still developing, even though he has faced difficulties. He failed to break into the first team at the Belgian club, Deinze then moved to the English second caste club, Oxford United and has not yet made his debut.

In the midst of a lack of playing minutes, Marselino was included in the main squad for the Indonesian National Team when they hosted Saudi Arabia.

“After being given the chance, Marselino repaid Shin Tae-yong’s faith by scoring two goals to inspire a surprising 2-0 win at Gelora Bung Karno, which will be remembered by Indonesian fans for years to come,” wrote ESPN.

Marselino Ferdinand was also named the best player or man of the match in the Indonesia versus Saudi Arabia match.

“I pray and hope we will play well and get the results we want,” he said in a post-match press conference.

“Before this match, I hadn’t scored many goals and hadn’t been able to get into the first team. But now I feel ready and able to play from the start,” said Marselino.

“I’m a natural goalscorer, so, when I scored the first goal, it was very important because I felt free from any pressure or burden. After that, I was able to play according to my ability.”

Marselino said the goal he scored to bring victory to the Garuda squad over Saudi Arabia was thanks to the team’s hard work.

“We also followed Coach Shin’s instructions and adapted to changes in his tactics. What we planned and executed tonight was absolutely perfect,” said the former Persebaya Surabaya player.

ESPN also highlighted the way Marselino celebrated his second goal by running off the field and then sitting relaxed in someone’s chair ball boy and put a finger to his lips, a gesture to ask his critics to be quiet.

But Marselino Ferdinan said that his goal celebration for the Indonesian National Team against Saudi Arabia only happened naturally, there was no message behind it.