Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia took a big step towards clinching a ticket for the next phase of the Asian qualifying cycle for the World Cup after beating and eliminating China.
Indonesia, which lost on its debut under Kluivert but beat Bahrain 1-0 in the following qualifying tie in March, started the day on 9 points and was fourth in Group C of the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. Last-placed China had lost the previous three qualifying games and needed a win to remain in the running for the 2026 World Cup.
Ajax legend Patrick Kluivert left most of his recently acquired Dutch-Indonesian players on the bench and handed Palermo goalkeeper Emil Audero his debut for Pasukan Garuda. Oxford United forward Ole Romeny led the striker trio of him, Dewa United’s Egy Maulana Vikri, and Ricky Kambuaya.
Indonesia dominated the first half, limiting China to four efforts and no big opportunities. The home side couldn’t make the difference for the longest time, but found a breakthrough when Kambuaya was tackled from behind and was awarded a penalty. Ole Romeny, who’d scored in his first two games for Indonesia, calmly converted and got his side in front on the cusp of half-time.
Patrick Kluivert’s side solidified further in the second half, allowing China to take just one shot after the break. The Dutch icon handed Beckham Putra his debut, upping the Indonesia boss’ tally in three games to five debutants.
China, for whom former Everton defender Tyias Browning came on in the second half, were beaten by Indonesia for the first time since 1987 and were officially eliminated from World Cup qualification.
Indonesia improved to 12 points and hope Bahrain will spill points against Saudi Arabia, which would secure Pasukan Garuda a spot in the fourth qualifying phase.
