TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Branko Ivankovic, coach of the Chinese national team, congratulated the Indonesian national team after losing 1-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The defeat ensured their elimination despite having one home match against Bahrain next Tuesday.
Ivankovic's team lost after conceding a penalty kick to Ole Romeny in the final minutes of the first half. In the second half, his team tried to increase the intensity of their attacks, leading to more goal-scoring opportunities. Shortly after the match resumed after halftime, China came close to scoring, but their successive attacks were thwarted by goalkeeper Emil Audero, who made a crucial save.
The Croatian coach assessed that the Indonesian national team is in a good position to advance to the next round. "But the match was tough. Our players tried everything. We gave the players many opportunities to get to know each other and develop for the future," he said in a post-match press conference.
He also appreciated the Indonesian supporters. According to him, the home team's fans were extraordinary, able to pressure the players. "We are happy to see so many supporters here," he said.
Furthermore, Ivankovic believes that the Garuda squad has the potential to grow in the future with the presence of new naturalized players and local players whose performance is equally competitive. "Even their captain is only 25 years old, so Indonesia has a bright future," he said.
Regarding his failure to take China to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, he said that everyone in the national team has made maximum efforts and waited a long time to qualify for the prestigious tournament. "This is a very tight group, but China surely has a bright future in football. We must have high hopes that China will qualify for the World Cup in the next edition. I have to motivate the players again," he said.
China is at the bottom of the standings with six points, the same as Bahrain in fifth place. The two bottom teams in Group C are confirmed to be eliminated despite having one remaining match, where they will face each other.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is in fourth place with 12 points, one point behind Saudi Arabia. The top two teams, Japan with 20 points and Australia in second place with 16 points, have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
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