Ratchaburi, Thailand – April 15, 2026, 20:40 WIB – The Indonesian women’s national football team concluded their campaign at the FIFA Series Women 2026 Thailand on a high note, securing third place in the prestigious tournament. The "Garuda Pertiwi" squad decisively defeated New Caledonia with a 4-2 scoreline at the Dragon Solar Park Stadium in Ratchaburi on Wednesday. This victory marked a sweet finale for head coach Satoru Mochizuki’s team, who displayed remarkable determination from the outset, dominating the match to claim a podium finish.
A Campaign of Growth and Resilience
The FIFA Series Women 2026 Thailand, a newly established international friendly tournament, aimed to provide valuable competitive experience for emerging national teams and those seeking to elevate their global standing. This edition, held in the vibrant footballing landscape of Thailand, featured four nations: hosts Thailand, the Indonesian women’s national team, and two Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representatives, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. The tournament format was a straightforward knockout stage, with the winners of the two semi-final matches competing for the championship and the losers battling for third place.
Indonesia, under the guidance of Japanese tactician Satoru Mochizuki, entered the tournament with the clear objective of building team cohesion and gaining crucial international exposure. Mochizuki, known for his meticulous approach to player development, has been instrumental in fostering a new era for Indonesian women’s football since taking the helm. The team’s performance throughout the FIFA Series was a testament to his long-term vision, showcasing periods of impressive tactical discipline and individual brilliance.
Match Summary: A Commanding Performance
The match against New Caledonia began with an immediate display of offensive intent from the Indonesian side. Early pressure was exerted by players like Claudia Scheunemann, signaling the team’s intent to control the tempo of the game. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 20th minute when Emily Nahon opened the scoring. Capitalizing on a corner kick, the number 4 player displayed tenacity, heading the ball home with a diving effort. This marked Nahon’s maiden goal for the national team in her 11th appearance, a significant personal milestone and a boost for the squad.
Indonesia’s dominance was further solidified in the 28th minute with a spectacular goal from Sheva Imut. Her signature curling shot, artfully placed into the top left corner of the net, left the New Caledonian goalkeeper, Elizabeth, with no chance. This stunning strike doubled Indonesia’s lead to 2-0 heading into halftime, reflecting the team’s superior control and execution.
The second half saw Indonesia continue their aggressive approach. Sheva Imut once again proved to be a pivotal figure, netting her second goal of the match (a brace) in the 53rd minute with a swift individual effort down the right flank. Shortly after, in the 58th minute, Claudia Scheunemann etched her name on the scoreboard with a powerful long-range strike. The number 9’s thunderous shot found the back of the net, extending Indonesia’s advantage to a commanding 4-0.
Late Lapses and Final Resilience
Despite their substantial lead and seemingly assured victory, the Indonesian defense experienced a brief lapse in concentration in the closing stages of the match. New Caledonia managed to pull two goals back, first through Julia Honakoko and then with a speculative long-range effort from Leana Hmae that eluded Indonesian goalkeeper Iris de Rouw. These late goals, while not impacting the final outcome, served as a reminder of the need for sustained focus throughout the entire 90 minutes.
However, the Indonesian backline, marshaled by the composed Iris de Rouw, managed to weather the late pressure. Their defensive solidity in the remaining minutes ensured that New Caledonia’s comeback efforts were thwarted, and the final whistle confirmed Indonesia’s 4-2 victory.
Key Performers and Individual Milestones
The match highlighted several standout performances:
- Sheva Imut: The attacking midfielder was instrumental in Indonesia’s victory, scoring a brace with her characteristic flair and precision. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and convert them under pressure has made her a vital asset for the team.
- Emily Nahon: Her opening goal was not only a significant personal achievement but also set the tone for Indonesia’s offensive display. Her commitment and aerial prowess were evident in her goal-scoring header.
- Claudia Scheunemann: The forward’s powerful long-range strike showcased her individual skill and finishing ability. Her goal further cemented Indonesia’s dominance in the match.
- Iris de Rouw: The goalkeeper, despite conceding two goals in quick succession, demonstrated composure and leadership in the latter stages, helping to secure the win.
Background and Context of the FIFA Series Women 2026
The FIFA Series is a relatively new initiative by the global football governing body, designed to address the disparity in international match opportunities for national teams, particularly women’s teams. Launched in 2026, the series aims to provide a structured platform for teams to play against opponents from different confederations, fostering development and enhancing global competitiveness. Each participating nation hosts a leg of the series, creating a decentralized yet interconnected tournament.
The Thailand leg of the FIFA Series Women 2026 was strategically chosen to leverage Thailand’s established football infrastructure and passionate fanbase. For Indonesia, participating in this tournament represented a crucial step in their journey towards qualifying for major international competitions like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and potentially the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the future. The experience gained against diverse playing styles is invaluable for the team’s growth and preparation.
Coach Mochizuki’s Vision and Future Implications
Head coach Satoru Mochizuki expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and the third-place finish. "This tournament was a valuable learning experience for us," Mochizuki stated following the match. "We showed great character and determination, especially in the first half. While we had a brief lapse in concentration towards the end, the players showed resilience to see out the game. Securing third place is a positive step, and it validates the hard work we have been putting in."
The implications of this third-place finish extend beyond mere tournament rankings. It signifies continued progress in Indonesian women’s football development, a sector that has seen increasing investment and attention in recent years. The positive results and performances in the FIFA Series will likely boost confidence within the squad and attract further support from stakeholders, including the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and potential sponsors.
This achievement also serves as an indicator of the team’s potential to challenge for continental honors. With a strong foundation built under Mochizuki’s tutelage and continued exposure to international competition, Indonesia is steadily moving towards becoming a formidable force in Asian women’s football. The development of key players like Sheva Imut and Claudia Scheunemann, coupled with the emergence of new talents like Emily Nahon, bodes well for the future.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Greater Success
The FIFA Series Women 2026 Thailand concludes for Indonesia with a sense of accomplishment and valuable lessons learned. The team will now focus on upcoming qualifiers for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and other international fixtures. The experience gained from facing New Caledonia and other participating nations will be crucial in refining tactics, identifying areas for improvement, and further solidifying the team’s playing style.
The journey of Indonesian women’s football is one of continuous development, and this third-place finish in the FIFA Series is a significant milestone. It underscores the dedication of the players, the strategic guidance of coach Mochizuki, and the growing potential of women’s football in Indonesia on the global stage. As the Garuda Pertiwi continues to soar, the aspirations for greater success on the international stage are more tangible than ever.
