Branko Ivankovic Tries To Burn China's Spirit Ahead Of Facing The Indonesian National Team

China tried to get up when they met the Indonesian national team (doc. Xinhua).

JAKARTA - China hosted the Indonesian national team in the fourth match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.

Dragon Team is slumped by occupying the bottom of the standings without points from the three matches they have played.

China's coach, Branko Ivankovic, sees meeting with Indonesia as an opportunity for his team to get up and get points.

No wonder, he was so hard to shake the spirit of his foster children, especially when the match would be held in front of his own supporters.

"So, what we need to do now is keep going, keep our spirits up, and fight for the next game which is very important. The real fight will just start."

"We have to play with courage and enthusiasm at home and do whatever it takes to win."

"Seeing so many fans at hotels and training venues welcome us, especially young people among them, we can feel their love for football and the national team."

"I hope the players feel this support and are responsible for giving the fans a good match," Ivankovic said as reported by Xinhua.

Hurricane Injured

The problem now is that Ivankovic does not only have to be armed with high enthusiasm for the Indonesian national team.

The 70-year-old coach had to be smart in composing the squad because several pillar names were absent.

A number of names such as Xie Wenneng and Fernandinho have certainly not been revealed.

Striker Fei Nanduo has three years of money. Then, defender Gao Zhunyi is doubtful about appearing after suffering a leg injury during training.

Mainstay players such as Wu Lei and Xu Haoyang will be monitored for their condition because they are not fully fit during the last exercise.

"We will maximize the existing players and try to perform as well as possible in the match."

"Although Indonesia is confident in their draw in the previous three matches, we played at home and had to show courage and enthusiasm as hosts."

"We will use our greatest energy to win the game," said Ivankovic again.

China started the Group C trip for the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers poorly.

They lost 0-7 to Japan before being beaten by Saudi Arabia (1-2) and Australia (1-3). Dragon Team also has the worst goal difference, namely minus 10.