Oxford United duo save Kluivert blushes: crucial victory for Indonesia in hunt for World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Indonesia secured their first victory under Patrick Kluivert on Tuesday night. The 1-0 home win over Bahrain keeps the World Cup in sight for Timnas, and brings a newfound positive momentum after an initially damning 5-1 defeat to Australia. Indonesia are now back in the top four of the Asian qualifying series.

After the hopeless defeat away to the Soceroos, it was do or die for Indonesia against Bahrain, who have set their sights on their first World Cup participation in history. Kluivert chose four new names compared to the duel with Australia and gave Joey Pelupessy his starting debut. Justin Hubner, Ragnar Oratmangoen and Rizky Ridho were also chosen to start.

Indonesia took the initiative in front of more than 70,000 spectators. After cautious opening exchanges, the hosts at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium snatched the lead through Oxford United’s Ole Romeny in the 24th minute as he was assisted by U’s teammate Marselino Ferdinan.

He added to his first international goal in Sydney last week and surely would have felt the pride of his grandmother’s nation as the enormous noise in Jakarta truly underlined the importance of the strike.

Romeny’s goal was of course the decisive blow to Bahrain, as the hosts failed to double the lead despite a fine Ferdinan opportunity in the second period. Bahrain did manage to force a number of perilous moments in front of Maarten Paes, but the goalkeeper kept his cool to register a clean sheet in the Indonesian heat.

With this victory, Indonesia remains in contention for a place in the World Cup. Third and fourth place in the group give access to the fourth qualifying round, in which two spots are again awarded.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield