In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Indonesia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualification match held on March 25, 2025. This victory marked the first win for Patrick Kluivert as the coach of the Indonesian national team, following a challenging debut just days prior, where they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Australia.
Following the match, an elated Kluivert expressed his pride in the team's performance during the press conference. "I'm very proud of the team. They played with heart and created chances. This is just the beginning," Kluivert remarked, illustrating his belief in the team's potential moving forward.
The GKB Stadium was packed with 69,000 fans who were treated to a spectacular atmosphere, contributing to the players' motivation. Kluivert acknowledged the passionate support from the home crowd, stating, "The atmosphere was fantastic. We knew it would be like this, 69 thousand people cheered for us. I want to thank the fans; as I said, this is just the beginning. There's still a lot more to come from this team."
Highlighting the performance of key players, Kluivert praised Ole Romeny, who scored the match's only goal, and Joey Pelupessy, who made a commendable start after being a substitute against Australia. Romeny, previously of NEC and FC Utrecht, demonstrated his remarkable talent by scoring during both his debut against Australia and the crucial match against Bahrain.
"He has scored two out of two. I hope he can continue this streak at Oxford United and score even more goals when he returns in June," commented Kluivert on Romeny's impressive form. Kluivert's praises extended toward Pelupessy, whom he trained back in 2011 at FC Twente. "I know Joey very well. I was his coach in 2011 at FC Twente, I know his qualities. He did brilliantly. He feels at home in the number 6 position. I'm proud of him for playing this way in his first match," said Kluivert.
The victory against Bahrain, while celebrated, also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for the Indonesian team. Kluivert acknowledged the difficulties in securing direct qualification for the World Cup, suggesting that the team may need to focus on finishing in third or fourth place to access the next round. "There is always a chance, but it will be very difficult. Our goal is to go to the World Cup. We will do our best to win the matches, but it also depends on Australia. I will always have hope. We will fight until the end," he stated, maintaining a positive outlook despite the hurdles ahead.
Looking back at the defeat in Australia, this recent match was essential for both morale and strategy for Kluivert and his players. The win against Bahrain not only alleviated pressure off the shoulders of the coach and the squad but also instilled new hope among fans who are eager to see their national team succeed on the world stage.
Kluivert’s leadership style and tactical approach were evident throughout the match against Bahrain, and the foundation he is laying could be pivotal for Indonesia’s footballing future. As they prepare for upcoming matches, the Indonesian team aims to build on this momentum and prove they can contend with some of Asia's top teams.
In summary, with Kluivert at the helm, Indonesian football is potentially on the brink of a revival. If the national team can maintain this newfound energy and capitalize on the strengths of its key players, the journey toward World Cup qualification may just be within reach. For now, the win against Bahrain has sparked optimism among fans and players alike, and as Kluivert passionately expressed, "This is just the beginning."
