Indonesia U-17 Loses 0-4 to Brazil but Still Has a Chance to Reach Round of 32 at the 2025 U-17 World Cup
Bornheimer – The Indonesia U-17 national team suffered a 0-4 loss against Brazil U-17 in their second Group H match at the 2025 U-17 World Cup. Despite the heavy defeat, the young Garuda squad still has a mathematical chance to qualify for the Round of 32.
The match took place at Aspire Zone Field 7 on Friday night (Nov 8, 2025, local time). Under the guidance of coach Nova Arianto, the Indonesian side struggled to find rhythm early in the game. Brazil capitalized on Indonesia’s nervous start, scoring three quick goals past goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi in the first half.
In the second half, Indonesia showed improvement. Putu Panji and his teammates demonstrated better composure and movement, putting up a more competitive fight. However, a moment of brilliance from Ruan Pablo sealed Brazil’s dominance, adding a fourth goal to complete the 4-0 victory.
Two Consecutive Losses, Yet a Slim Chance Remains
This was Indonesia’s second defeat in Group H. In their opening match, the team fell 1-3 to Zambia. With zero points from two matches, Indonesia sits in third place in Group H standings. Despite the results, qualification hopes are not entirely lost due to the new competition format introduced in this year’s World Cup.
Coach Nova Arianto expressed optimism after the game, stating that the team would continue to fight in their final group match. “We may have lost, but the boys are improving in every match. We still have a chance, and we will give everything in the final game,” he said.
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New Format: Round of 32 Opens More Doors
The 2025 edition of the U-17 World Cup features an expanded knockout stage. Unlike the 2023 tournament, which began eliminations at the Round of 16, this year’s competition advances 32 teams to the knockout phase.
Qualification is determined as follows:
- 12 group winners automatically advance.
- 12 runners-up from each group also qualify.
- The remaining eight spots are filled by the best third-placed teams across all groups.
These third-place rankings are determined by total points, goal difference, goals scored, and fair-play points. The new format gives more nations — especially those in developing football regions — a fighting chance to progress.
Indonesia’s Mathematical Path to Qualification
Currently, Indonesia sits third in Group H with zero points and a goal difference of -6. They are narrowly ahead of Honduras, who have a -10 goal difference after two matches. Brazil and Zambia, each with six points, have already secured the top two spots in the group.
To keep their hopes alive, Indonesia must defeat Honduras in their final match. A convincing win could place them among the top eight third-place teams, depending on results in other groups. Goal difference will be critical in determining whether Indonesia advances or exits the tournament.
Football analyst Arif Setiawan commented that Indonesia’s challenge is tough but not impossible. “If Indonesia wins big over Honduras and improves their goal difference, the door is still open. It’s all about mental strength and focus in that final game,” he explained.
Group H Standings and Results
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Brazil 7–0 Honduras
- Indonesia 1–3 Zambia
Friday, November 5, 2025
- Brazil 4–0 Indonesia
- Zambia 5–2 Honduras
Current Standings (as of November 8, 2025):
- Brazil – 6 points (+11)
- Zambia – 6 points (+5)
- Indonesia – 0 points (-6)
- Honduras – 0 points (-10)
The final Group H matchday will be decisive, as Indonesia faces Honduras in a must-win showdown. A victory could rewrite their story in this year’s U-17 World Cup.
