Socceroos Brace for Unknown Against Kluivert’s Indonesia in World Cup Qualifier
The Socceroos are preparing to face a new-look Indonesian side under the leadership of legendary Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, as they battle for crucial World Cup qualification points in Sydney on Thursday, as per Al Jazeera.
The match, a vital clash in Group C of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sees Australia aiming to secure the second automatic qualification spot alongside group leaders Japan.
Coach Tony Popovic acknowledges the “degree of the unknown” surrounding Indonesia, with Kluivert taking charge of his first game for the Southeast Asian nation. The Socceroos’ hopes hinge on securing positive results against Indonesia and China, whom they face in Hangzhou on Tuesday. The top two teams in the group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Indonesia, currently a single point behind Australia alongside other nations, have seen a resurgence in form, largely attributed to the integration of several Dutch-born players with Indonesian heritage into the squad. They previously held Australia to a 0-0 draw in Jakarta and stunned Saudi Arabia with a 2-0 victory in November.
This game marks Kluivert’s debut as coach, as Indonesia aims to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since gaining independence in 1945. Popovic, who succeeded Graham Arnold as Socceroos coach, is facing challenges with key players absent in central defence. He anticipates a potentially defensive approach from Indonesia under Kluivert, advising patience if they choose to “sit deep and defend in numbers.”
Despite a limited preparation time with his squad, many of whom are based at European clubs, Kluivert has promised “some surprises” from his team and is confident they can challenge for their first victory over Australia since 1981.
He and his assistants, including former Barcelona forward Jordi Cruyff, have been actively engaging with players, travelling to Indonesia and Europe to “share their philosophy.”
Beyond Thursday’s encounter, Indonesia will face Bahrain at home on Tuesday. While a failure to finish in the top two after the remaining four matches in the third round of Asian qualifying wouldn’t spell the end, it would necessitate a path through a fourth round or intercontinental playoffs.
