JAKARTA The manager of the Indonesian national team, Sumardji, asked supporters to be patient with Patrick Kluivert's performance in the coach of the Garuda squad following the defeat against Australia in Sydney.
Kluiver was hit by a crushing defeat of 1-5 in his debut match with the Indonesian national team when he visited Socceroos headquarters for the Group C match from the third round of the Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Sydney Football Stadium, on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The defeat made social media immediately boisterous with the hashtag Patrick Kluiver out or #KluivertOut. There are some and even getting stuck with the previous coach Shin Tae-yong.
Sumardji said that supporters need to exercise restraint regarding the current situation so that coaches and teams can prepare themselves well to face further matches.
"I think we have to believe first, yes. If we talk about the process, it is impossible because what we are after is going to the World Cup. Of course whoever becomes the coach with the consequences must be able to present and be able to bring this team to achieve achievements and be able to go to the World Cup," he said.
The defeat against Australia did not actually close Indonesia's chance to advance to the 2026 World Cup which will take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico later.
Indonesia still has three remaining matches in the group and has the potential to finish the worst in third or fourth place in order to continue the journey to qualify for the fourth round.
Sumardji hopes this team can get better results in the remaining matches and meet the target of playing in the 2026 World Cup, the highest stage in the world of football.
"Everything will definitely be seen as a result when people believe and the team work hard, we just pray for the results according to what we all want," he said.
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The Indonesian national team will next host Bahrain on Tuesday, March 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta.
Previously in the away match to Bahrain, Indonesia managed to bring home one point. At that time, both teams closed the match with a score of 2-2.
Indonesia currently occupies the fourth position in the standings with a collection of six points from seven matches. The Garuda squad at least maintains that position if it is hoped that playing in the World Cup will not be extinguished.
Tickets to the World Cup from the third round will only belong to the winning team and group runners-up. Currently Japan is in the top position and has confirmed itself to appear in the quadrennial event.
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