Garuda in the Lion's Den: When Kluivert and Indonesia Chase World Cup Dreams

Patrick Kluivert has the opportunity to etch his name in Asian football history by becoming the fifth Dutchman to guide an Asian team to the FIFA World Cup finals.

Previously, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, Pim Verbeek, and Bert van Marwijk paved the way with South Korea and Australia.

But for Kluivert, it's not just about personal records. It's about leveraging the rare chance to take Indonesia to the World Cup for the first time since the nation's independence on August 17, 1945.

Romance, nationalism, and immense determination blend in Garuda's journey to break through the fourth round of 2026 World Cup Qualifying.

The challenge is undeniably tough. Indonesia must enter the lion's den, facing two teams seasoned with World Cup experience.

Iraq last appeared in 1986, while Saudi Arabia has featured in six of the last eight editions.

Jay Idzes and his teammates kick off this heavy schedule in Jeddah in the early hours of Thursday, October 9, 2025, before facing Iraq in the following match early next Monday.

Interestingly, Indonesia's development trajectory is currently steeper than both opponents.

From rankings to playing quality, Kluivert's squad looks increasingly solid and enjoyable to watch.

Iraq defeated Indonesia twice in the previous round, most recently 0-2 in Jakarta on June 6, 2024.

They also remain unbeaten in nine meetings against Garuda.

However, since that victory, Iraq's performance has declined. In their last 11 matches, their record is only slightly better: 5 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses – not far from Indonesia's 4 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses.

Moreover, the gap in world rankings between the two teams is narrowing.

Indonesia started from a much lower position but has shown an incredible surge. Over the past year, Garuda climbed from 134th to 119th in the world.

Saudi Arabia isn't as impressive as before. Herve Renard's team has stagnated around 58th-59th in the world.

Since losing 2-0 to Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno on November 19, 2024, their form has dipped.

In their last five matches, Saudi Arabia managed just one win, two draws, and two losses, including a 1-1 draw against 102nd-ranked Trinidad & Tobago.

With such records, Indonesia's optimism feels more than just empty hope.

Indonesia's strength is also bolstered by increasingly classy player material. Players represent seven of the world's top 11 leagues.

There's Jay Idzes with Sassuolo in Italy's Serie A, Calvin Verdonk at Lille in France's Ligue 1, and Justin Hubner and Dean James playing in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Then there are strong local players like Rizky Ridho and four Persib stalwarts accustomed to playing together, forming natural cohesion on the field.

Nevertheless, caution remains essential. Saudi Arabia now features new faces to watch out for.

There's Marwan Al Sahafi, the Royal Antwerp winger, and Saud Abdulhamid, the defender who made history as the first Saudi footballer to score in a European competition when AS Roma defeated Braga 3-0 in December 2024.

From Iraq, besides Frans Putros who now plays for Persib, there's Aymen Hussein with four goals, and big names like Zidane Iqbal, the former Manchester United midfielder now at Utrecht alongside Miliano Jonathans.

For Kluivert and his players, this is more than just a match.

It's about managing emotions, maintaining concentration, and seizing every moment.

Especially since Saudi Arabia will clearly go all out to secure their 2026 World Cup ticket – the first step towards their big ambition to host in 2034.

For Indonesia, the underdog mentality could be their strength. If they can score first, it's entirely possible the momentum of the match could shift.

Who knows, under Patrick Kluivert's command, Garuda might just write history on football's grandest stage.(Antara)