In a watershed moment for Indonesian football, Patrick Kluivert is set to lead the national team as they face Australia in a critical World Cup qualifying match this Thursday morning. The match kicks off at 10:10 AM Dutch time in Sydney, and both teams are vying for a crucial spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Kluivert, who recently took the helm as Indonesia's head coach, had limited training time with his players before this important encounter. The team only had its first complete training session on March 18, as many players were traveling from Europe. Kluivert remains optimistic about his squad despite the tight timeline: "We are ready to fight for this country. We need to show what we are worth," he stated, expressing confidence in the team's capabilities.
Currently, Indonesia holds the third position in their qualification group, with six points from six matches, just one point behind Australia, who is second in the group with seven points. This match is critical, as only the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Indonesia's last victory against Australia dating back to 1981, Kluivert understands the gravity of the situation. "It's been a long time, yes," he reflected, tempering his acknowledgment of the historical hurdle. "But we are ready to show our worth on the pitch."
This match is made even more significant by the inclusion of several players of Dutch descent in the Indonesian squad, a strategy that seeks to leverage their dual heritage effectively on the international stage. Kluivert named various Dutch-Indonesian players such as Calvin Verdonk, Mees Hilgers, Eliano Reijnders, and Thom Haye among his selections. They are expected to play key roles in the upcoming match.
Among those set to make their debuts are Ole Romeny, who has recently joined Oxford United, and Dean James of Go Ahead Eagles. James expressed his excitement about being called up: "It's fantastic that I have been called up. It's almost like a dream for me," he said after his recent performances in the Eredivisie.
The logistical challenges for players traveling from Europe cannot be overlooked. Thom Haye, who will play in Sydney and fly back to Jakarta the next morning, described the hectic travel schedule. "For me, it’s always a little bit of a rollercoaster. Then the day after the home match, you are already in the plane again to the Netherlands. That’s football as it is for us right now."
The stakes for this match extend beyond just qualification; they embody a broader narrative of national pride and a chance for Indonesia to establish itself on the global stage through football. As players like Ole Romeny prepare for what they hope will be a memorable debut, Kluivert's leadership emerges as a beacon of potential change for Indonesian football.
As fans and onlookers tune in to watch the match live on ESPN, anticipation is mounting about whether Kluivert can end the long-standing drought against Australia and catalyze a new chapter in Indonesia's football history. This match could very well define the future of Indonesian football, offering a chance at redemption and progress towards a long-awaited appearance on the world stage.
