Calvin Verdonk finally made his much-anticipated debut for the Indonesian national team, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The 27-year-old defender, starting for Tim Garuda against the Philippines at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, quickly showed why he’s been a player to watch.
Verdonk’s debut was marked by a resounding 2-0 victory for Indonesia, with goals from Thom Haye and Rizky Ridho sealing the deal. This win propelled Timnas Indonesia into the third round of the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, igniting the hopes and dreams of football fans across the nation.
In a post-match interview, Verdonk, who currently plays for NEC Nijmegen, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m thrilled to have played my first game for Timnas Indonesia. I hope this is just the beginning and that I get to participate in many more matches,” he said with a smile, standing in the bustling Mixed Zone of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Dutch-born player also shared his thoughts on playing in such a historic venue. Despite some challenges, including the torrential rain that drenched Jakarta, Verdonk remained positive. “It was an amazing experience to play here. The biggest challenge was definitely the rain. It’s not something I’m used to in the Netherlands, and I ended up sweating a lot. In the second half, I even started to cramp up,” he admitted candidly.
Despite the weather conditions, Verdonk’s performance was nothing short of aggressive and dynamic. As a left-back, he frequently pushed forward, adding an extra dimension to Indonesia’s attack. There was a particularly thrilling moment when Verdonk almost found the back of the net, but his powerful shot in the first half was expertly saved by Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza.
This debut marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter for both Calvin Verdonk and Timnas Indonesia. With his impressive performance and positive attitude, Verdonk has quickly become a fan favorite, and many are eagerly anticipating his future contributions to the team.
As the journey towards the World Cup and Asian Cup continues, fans can look forward to more electrifying performances from Verdonk and the rest of Tim Garuda. The dream is alive, and with players like Verdonk on the team, anything seems possible.