Indonesia Can Beat China, but Japan Will Be Tough, Says Patrick Kluivert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coach Patrick Kluivert is confident that the Indonesian national team can defeat China in the third round of Group C qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone. Both teams will compete at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025. "Realistically, we can beat China, but Japan will be more difficult," he said as quoted from the Indonesian national team's YouTube channel on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The Indonesian national team is currently undergoing training in Bali. Patrick considers the choice of training location appropriate because the field is good and the air is fresh.

Although confident of winning, the Dutch coach still respects each of his potential opponents. "I respect both countries. I think we have a chance of winning against China. Meanwhile, everyone knows that Japan has a very good team. They have already qualified for the World Cup, but we will try our best to win that match," he said.

Patrick has called up Persib Bandung player Beckham Putra Nugraha to join the Indonesian national team for training, facing China and Japan. Beckham replaces Septian Bagaskara, who is injured. "Septian Bagaskara cannot join due to injury, so I called up the player from the champion team, Persib Bandung, Beckham Putra, and I am happy that he joined the national team," he said.

Patrick believes local players deserve a place in the Indonesian national team because they have shown great capabilities during their competition in Liga 1. "They have the opportunity to join the Indonesian national team. Their position is crucial, and they can play very well within the team. They have shown that they are capable of extraordinary things, and I think they deserve the opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level," said Kluivert.

Previously, several names from Liga 1 were called up again by Kluivert. Stefano Lilipaly, Yakob Sayuri, Yance Sayuri, and goalkeeper Reza Arya were also called up for the training camp.

The Indonesian national team is currently in fourth place in the temporary standings of Group C with nine points. The Garuda team still has the chance to directly qualify for the final round of the 2026 World Cup or to participate in the fourth round of the Asian zone qualification.

Editor's Choice: ASEAN All-Stars vs. Man Utd: Indonesia's Malik Risaldi, Kakang Rudianto Join the Team

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Thousands of Indonesian Pilgrims Still Await Hajj Service Access Cards

14 menit lalu

Microsoft's Indonesia Central Cloud Region Aims to Attract New Investment

1 jam lalu

10 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2025: Peaceful Escapes You'll Love

2 jam lalu

France Opens Internship Opportunities for Indonesian Creative Industry Workers

3 jam lalu

Indonesia, France Strengthen Defense Cooperation During President Macron's Visit

7 jam lalu

Indonesia, Russia Agree to Support Peace Initiatives in Gaza

8 jam lalu

Saudi Arabia to Allow Alcohol Sales in 600 Tourist Locations Starting 2026

19 jam lalu

Ukraine Accuses China of Supplying Russia's Arms Industry

22 jam lalu

Prabowo and Chinese Premier Discuss Free Meals, Energy Self-Sufficiency, and Giant Sea Wall

23 jam lalu

Today's Top 3 News: Archaeology Professor Explains Departure from Indonesian History Rewrite Team

1 hari lalu