China team faces difficulties against Indonesia

China team faces difficulties in terms of force before the last 2 matches of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - Photo: BOLA

After 8 matches, the Chinese team with 6 points is temporarily at the bottom of Group C. China has lost hope of directly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as it is 7 points behind the second-placed team, Australia.

However, they can still hope to finish in 3rd or 4th place to qualify for the play-off round. To realize this goal, the Chinese team must win both remaining matches against Indonesia (June 5) and Japan (June 10).

But things are not in favor of the Chinese team, as they have suffered serious losses in force. According to Chinese press, the Chinese team is likely to arrive at Indonesia's stadium without four key players: defender Gao Zhunyi, center back Jiang Guangtai, defender Wang Zhenao and defender Han Jiaqi due to injury.

Page 163 commented that the absence of these four pillars is a serious problem and a heavy blow to the Chinese team's ambition to win a ticket to the play-off round. According to page 163, coach Branko Ivankovic is trying to monitor the Chinese Championship to find replacements.

The list of 30 Chinese players expected to gather in early June will be finalized in mid-May. "Coach Branko Ivankovic must overcome difficulties to nurture China's World Cup dream" - Chinese press emphasized.

Similarly, host Indonesia also has concerns about its squad. Specifically, right-back Kevin Diks (Copenhagen FC) has a hamstring injury. Kevin Diks' absence has weakened Indonesia's right wing.

Currently, Indonesia can only replace Kevin Diks with local players like Asnawi Mangkualam. However, many experts believe that Asnawi is not on the same level as his teammates and could become a weakness for opponents to exploit. However, the Indonesian team has no other choice.

Indonesia is currently ranked 4th in Group C with 9 points. If they defeat China at home on June 5, they will almost certainly have a ticket to the play-off round.

Indonesia can even dream of a direct ticket if they defeat Japan in the final round and if Australia loses both of their last two matches.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuyen-trung-quoc-gap-kho-truoc-indonesia-2025042308175981.htm