Bahrain, Indonesia’s opponent in the 2026 World Cup third round qualifiers, made some notable remarks ahead of the crucial match on March 25th. Coach Dragan Talajic criticized Indonesia, comparing them to “Netherlands 2.0” due to their significant foreign player recruitment.
In a press conference, Coach Talajic stated, “Every time we face Indonesia, they always seem to add two or three new players. This time, the naturalization of Emil Audero (Italy), Dean James (Netherlands), and Joey Pelupessy (Belgium) makes us feel like we’re about to face the Netherlands national team rather than Indonesia. Nevertheless, Bahrain will prepare meticulously for all eventualities.”
Following the announcement of the three new players’ naturalizations, Indonesia is now questioning whether coach Patrick Kluivert will include them in the squad for the match against Bahrain. This is a crucial decision impacting Indonesia’s tactical approach and overall strength.
Moreover, Coach Talajic expressed confidence in the Bahrain national team: “Bahrain’s young players have been playing together for the past three to four years, fostering a strong sense of unity and cohesion. I believe this is the moment for Bahrain to reap the rewards. We are ready for any challenge and are not afraid of Indonesia. They have good tactics, a winning spirit, and mutual trust, which gives me optimism.”
The match takes place against the backdrop of Bahrain being tied in points with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China, but trailing Australia by one point. The competition in Group C of the 2026 World Cup third-round Asian qualifiers is intensely fierce.
The Indonesia vs. Bahrain match on March 25th promises to be an exciting and decisive contest, demonstrating not only the strength of both teams but also the tactical shift in Indonesia’s player recruitment strategy.
Conclusion:
The Indonesia vs. Bahrain match is a fierce battle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Coach Talajic’s critical remarks have added fuel to the fire. Will Indonesia withstand the pressure and prove their strength? Anticipation and excitement surround the upcoming developments.
