AFC Asian Qualifiers
The Heerenveen midfielder opened the scoring for the Indonesians in their 2-0 victory over the Philippines in Jakarta on Tuesday as Shin Tae-yong’s side picked up the victory required to advance to the next phase of the competition as runners-up in Group F.
While the country appeared at the FIFA World Cup Finals in 1938 when known as the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia have not qualified for the tournament since gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1949 but are currently one of the continent’s rising forces.
“It’s a boost for everyone that we can go to the next round,” said Haye, whose strike into the top corner of Kevin Mendoza’s net was his first goal in three appearances for Indonesia.
“I think in the last months we have seen a little bit of a change in the dynamics in the team.
“We’re getting stronger, you really do see us growing together as a team and it’s really important that we believe we can achieve these results. Everything starts with belief first and then I think you become stronger and stronger.”
Haye is one of a growing number of overseas-born players bolstering the ranks of Shin’s squad as the nation climbs the FIFA World Ranking and is becoming increasingly prominent within the game.
The appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ was their first since co-hosting the tournament in 2007 while a run to the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ in May saw the country fall agonisingly short of a first Olympic Games appearance since 1956.
Tuesday’s win over the Philippines was Indonesia’s third in their six qualifying matches and secured second place in their group behind table toppers Iraq and ahead of Vietnam and the Filipinos.
That means they join the likes of regular FIFA World Cup finalists Japan, Korea Republic, Australia, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran plus AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar in the 18-team third round, with the draw to take place in Kuala Lumpur on June 27.
“As a team we can be really proud of the last months, of the results we’ve had, so of course we’re really happy we have gone through,” said Haye. “But it doesn’t stop here.
“We believe in each other and the possibilities we have, so in the next round we want to show who we are. I think, for example, we showed against Iraq that we are ourselves and we have already sent a message that we’re stronger than we were.
“I’m looking forward to the next group and the teams and it’s a challenge. But I like challenges, so that’s good.”
The Indonesians were roared onto victory on Tuesday by a bumper crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and the win had added significance for Haye as he scored at the iconic stadium in central Jakarta for the first time.
“For me I think it's a really special night, my first goal for Indonesia at home is in this game,” he said. “All my family is here, my friends, my family from Jakarta were here so to celebrate a night like this with everyone here is really special for me."
“The atmosphere is a bit hard to describe if you haven’t been here. It’s really special. The dedication the people have to support us, you can really feel it on the pitch and it’s something that really helps the team a lot.
“From the first moment, you feel you are not only doing it with the players, but you’re doing it with everyone who is here. They’re part of Indonesia and it’s a real quality for us when we play at home. You get this crazy support. It’s amazing.”
Iraq, however, were the runaway winners of the group with Jesus Casas’ side showing their quality once again in a 3-1 win over Vietnam as the West Asians ended their campaign with six wins.
"I am happy with this victory and I congratulate the Iraqi fans after the team achieved 18 points in six matches,” said Casas.
"I am happy with the participation of a number of the new players, who were among the contributors to winning the six matches, and it is important to see the motivation among the players.”
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