Bahrain, Indonesia’s opponent in the 2026 World Cup third round qualifiers, made some noteworthy comments before the crucial match on March 25th. Coach Dragan Talajic jokingly referred to Indonesia as “the Netherlands 2.0,” citing their significant influx of foreign players.
In a press conference, Coach Talajic stated: “Every time we face Indonesia, they always have 2-3 new players. This time, the naturalization of Emil Audero (Italy), Dean James (Netherlands), and Joey Pelupessy (Belgium) makes it feel like we’re facing the Netherlands rather than Indonesia. Nonetheless, Bahrain will prepare meticulously for every scenario.”
Indonesia, having announced the naturalization of these three players, now raises the question of whether Coach Patrick Kluivert will include them in the match against Bahrain. This is a crucial decision impacting Indonesia’s tactics and strength.
Coach Talajic expressed confidence in the Bahrain national team: “Bahrain’s young players have been playing together for the past 3-4 years, fostering a sense of unity and cohesion. I believe this is the time for Bahrain to reap the rewards. We are prepared for any challenge and have no fear of Indonesia. They possess good thinking, winning spirit, and mutual trust, which makes me optimistic.”
The match comes as Bahrain is tied in points with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China, but still trails Australia by one point. The competition in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Asian third-round qualifiers is extremely fierce.
The match between Indonesia and Bahrain on March 25th promises to be an exciting and decisive encounter, showcasing not only the strength of both teams but also the tactical shift in Indonesia’s player naturalization strategy.
Conclusion:
The Indonesia vs. Bahrain match is a fierce struggle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Coach Talajic’s remarks have added fuel to the fire. Can Indonesia overcome the pressure and demonstrate their strength? Anticipation and excitement surround the upcoming events.
References:
–https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tuyen-indonesia-bi-doi-thu-mia-mai-duoc-vi-nhu-ha-lan-2-20250316191028354.htm (Original Article Source)
