Indonesia team defeats Bahrain: Coach Kluivert creates shock, World Cup dream not buried

In the debut match of coach Kluivert, the Indonesian team was heavily defeated 1-5 on the field of Australia (March 20). The heavy defeat brought the feet of the players of the archipelago back to the ground, when both the team and their fans still dreamed of a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Before the 8th round, the Indonesian team only had 6 points, behind Saudi Arabia and 4 points behind 2nd place Australia. Therefore, if they draw or lose to Bahrain, the situation will be even more difficult for the Indonesian team.

The Indonesian team must beat Bahrain (in white) if they want to keep their hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup alive.

PHOTO: REUTERS

"Newcomer" Ole Romeny scores the only goal for Indonesia

Under pressure to win, Indonesia continued to use its strongest lineup, in which 9/11 positions were naturalized players. In the first 20 minutes, the home team at Gelora Bung Karno had more than 60% possession but was stuck in approaching the Bahrain team's goal. Compared to the match against Australia, the Indonesian team played faster but the coordination situations lacked suddenness, often being easily neutralized by the opponent. The attacking trio of Ragnar Oratmangoen, Marselino Ferdinan and Ole Romeny were always in a state of "starving for the ball", without any shots on target.

In the second half of the first half, Coach Kluivert left his tactical mark when he pushed Marselino Ferdinan into the central position. The result also came immediately for the Indonesian team when in the 24th minute, the 20-year-old player broke through, creating a favorable assist for Ole Romeny to open the score of the match. Notably, Ole Romeny is a player who only obtained Indonesian nationality in early 2025, and was called up by Coach Kluivert during the FIFA Days in March.

On the other hand, the Bahrain team played defensively and counter-attacked, without any notable attacks in the first half. It was not until they conceded a goal that coach Dragan Talajić's players started to play more aggressively. However, the away team played loosely, only shooting twice in this half, but both shots were inaccurate.

Ole Romeny (middle) is a player who just got Indonesian nationality in early 2025. Right in the first call-up - FIFA Days in March, he immediately scored a goal.

PHOTO: REUTERS

After a lackluster first half, Bahrain began to play risky in the second half, pushing up their attacking formation. However, Bahrain's attacking moves were monotonous, unable to penetrate Indonesia's dense defense. On the other hand, despite having more possession of the ball, Bahrain's midfield lacked creativity, often passing incorrectly, causing opportunities to slip away regrettably. The most dangerous chance Bahrain could have created was Ahmed Bughammar's shot in the 48th minute, but the Indonesian defender was there at the right time, clearing the ball right on the goal line.

On the other side of the front line, the Indonesian team played slowly. Every time they attacked, the home team only had 2 to 3 players but always made Bahrain's goal unstable. If Marselino Ferdinan had been more careful, the Indonesian team could have scored another goal against Bahrain.

Bahrain team (white shirt) was helpless in penetrating Indonesia's net in the second half.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Defeating Bahrain 1-0, the Indonesian team has 9 points after 8 matches, ranking 4th in Group C. Currently, coach Kluivert and his team still have a chance to pass the 3rd qualifying round when they are only 4 and 3 points behind the 2 teams above, Australia and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Meanwhile, after losing to Indonesia, Bahrain has 6 points after 8 matches, ranking 5th, equal to the bottom team, China.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-indonesia-danh-bai-bahrain-hlv-kluivert-tao-soc-giac-mo-world-cup-chua-bi-chon-vui-185250325225525593.htm