Patrick Kluivert can continue to dream of participating in next year’s World Cup with Indonesia. The Dutch coach won 1-0 against China with his team, but saw a direct ticket slip away earlier in the day.
Indonesia took the lead just before halftime in the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. Ole Romeny, born in Nijmegen, was allowed to take a penalty and shot the ball in. It was the third international goal in a row for the former player of NEC and FC Utrecht, among others.
The 1-0 lead was a correct reflection of the balance, as Indonesia created more chances than China. Kluivert’s team was also the dominant party after the break, but no more goals were scored in the sweltering Indonesian capital.
In addition to Romeny, more Indonesian players with a Dutch background were on the field. There were starting places for Thom Haye (Almere City) and Calvin Verdonk (NEC). Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht) came on after halftime, while Mees Hilgers (FC Twente) remained on the bench.
Kluivert thus recorded his second victory as coach of Indonesia, after the Asian country had already won against Bahrain in the World Cup qualification more than two months ago. Yet direct qualification is no longer possible for the Dutchman.
Earlier in the day, Australia won 1-0 against Japan. As a result, it was already clear that Indonesia would not finish among the first two countries in the group. Kluivert must now aim for places three and four, which entitle them to the next qualifying round. Indonesia is now very close to that.