Jakarta. Indonesia kept its World Cup dream alive with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, securing a place in the third round of the qualifiers.

Naturalized player Thom Jan Marinus Haye opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and Rizky Ridho doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half. The hosts dominated the match, which was attended by President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana.

The win places Indonesia second in the group with ten points, five points behind group leader Iraq. This standing will remain unaffected regardless of the outcome of the final Group F match between Vietnam and Iraq on Wednesday. Vietnam is currently third in the standings with six points.

Dutch-born Haye sent the stadium into a thunderous celebration with a spectacular long-range shot from outside the box that found the back of the net.

Rizky sealed the win by successfully executing a set piece from teammate Nathan Tjoe-A-On, leaving Philippine goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza off guard.

Securing the runner-up position in the group also automatically ensures Indonesia a place in the finals of the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia Line-up:
21-Ernando Ari; Asnawi Mangkualam (6-Sandy Walsh 83'), 3-Jay Idzes, 23-Justin Hubner, 5-Rizky Ridho, 4-Calvin Verdonk (Pratama Arhan 67'); 22-Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Ivar Jenner 63'), 19-Thom Haye, 7-Marselino Ferdinan, 11-Ragnar Oratmangoen (Dimas Drajad 83'); 9-Rafael Struick (Yakob Sayuri 63')

Philippines Line-up:
15-Kevin Ray; 18-Jesper Nyholm, 17-Adrian Ugelvik, 21-Santiago Colminas, 2-Scott Woods; 6-Kevin Ingreso, 8-Michael Baldisimo, 14-Alex Monis, 20-Zico Bailey, 7-Dylan Demuynck; 9-Patrick Reichelt