Game Plan Deemed Correct, Why Did National Team Still Lose? Observer Explains!

The 2-3 defeat against Saudi Arabia wasn't just about goals, but also how the Indonesian National Team failed to adapt mid-match.

According to Indonesian football analyst Mohamad Kusnaeni, the main issue wasn't the initial plan, but rather its execution and response to changing situations.

"The game plan created by the coach also matched many people's predictions. Unfortunately, this game plan couldn't be executed well," stated Mohamad Kusnaeni on Thursday, October 10, 2025.

He believed Indonesia actually had a significant opportunity to win at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah.

Garuda started the match confidently and even took an early lead. However, this advantage vanished due to numerous self-inflicted errors.

According to Kusnaeni, Patrick Kluivert prepared a 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot of Joey Pelupessy and Marc Klok to contain the opponent's aggression.

Fast players like Miliano Jonathan and Beckham Putra were also deployed to threaten from the wings.

Despite an attractive concept, the midfield became the weak point. The defensive midfield duo frequently lost duels and lacked coordination.

"The weak midfield disrupted the game's balance," he said.

Saudi Arabia's midfield dominance disrupted Indonesia's attacking flow.

The ball was repeatedly forced wide and easily anticipated by opponents. The situation worsened as mistakes piled up from players.

Kusnaeni noted this was when the coach should've reacted swiftly—unfortunately, it didn't happen. He criticized the play as monotonous and lacking creativity, especially after Indonesia trailed 1-2.

Substitutions deemed too late.

Only after conceding again early in the second half did Kluivert introduce Ole Romeny and Thom Haye.

The effect was immediate: game balance improved, midfield became more dynamic, and attacks grew more purposeful.

"Regrettably, there wasn't enough time to score additional goals and turn things around. Especially since several chances also failed to become goals," he explained.

Kusnaeni hopes this defeat serves as a crucial wake-up call—not just about initial tactics, but about courage to read matches and make quick decisions.

For the upcoming match against Iraq, he emphasized the need for more astute player selection and quicker coaching responses when game plans falter.(Antara)