“For Indonesians, football is life,” Marselino Ferdinan shared in a FIFA interview. The young talent emphasized that the passion for the sport in his homeland rivals that of Brazil – where football has become an integral part of the culture.
Marselino Ferdinan expresses strong belief in Indonesia’s chances at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Photo: FIFA).
Marselino Ferdinan is currently regarded as one of the brightest stars in Indonesian football. He made a significant impact by scoring a brace to help the national team defeat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in November last year. This was not only a historic victory but also one of the most memorable moments in the career of the player who now plays for Oxford United.
“That was truly one of the best days of my life,” Marselino said. “My parents and three siblings were in the stands to witness it. They cried with emotion. I’m proud of myself and the entire team. Those goals gave me so much confidence and motivation to push harder.”
During the match against Saudi Arabia, Marselino drew attention with a unique celebration where he sat on the ball boys’ chairs. The image quickly captured international media interest. When asked about this gesture, he explained, “The idea just popped into my head at that moment. I didn’t think too much about it. We have amazing fans; they went wild with that victory. The supporters always back us fully.”
Marselino Ferdinan trusts in coach Patrick Kluivert’s leadership (Photo: FIFA).
After dismissing coach Shin Tae Yong, the Indonesian national team appointed Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert as their new head coach. The new manager will begin his tenure with a match against Australia – a direct competitor for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Regarding this, Marselino expressed excitement: “I’m thrilled to work with Coach Kluivert. He’s a football legend, a sharp striker from Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team. I look forward to learning his tactics and coaching style to build a strong team.”
Additionally, Marselino mentioned the role of naturalized players in the Indonesian squad: “We welcome all the players who have joined the national team. They receive enthusiastic support from the fans. Our current lineup combines experience and youth, creating a solid unit. With this team, I believe Indonesia is fully capable of making it to the World Cup.”
The dream of participating in the World Cup continues to burn in every Indonesian player’s heart. Marselino affirmed: “Every child in Indonesia dreams of playing in the World Cup someday. That’s also my biggest goal. We’re happy to represent our country and will do our best to win every match.”
According to the schedule, the Indonesian national team will face Australia on March 20 and Bahrain on March 25 in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. These matches will be crucial tests determining their chances on the road to achieving their World Cup dream.
Conclusion
Marselino Ferdinan is not only a symbol of a promising young generation of Indonesian footballers but also an inspiration for millions of football fans nationwide. With talent, confidence, and unity, the Indonesian national team is getting closer to their World Cup dream. Stay tuned for their journey ahead to witness remarkable progress!
Source: Dân Trí
