Indonesian fans demand coach Kluivert's sacking after heavy defeat to Australia

Coach Patrick Kluivert moves into the tunnel at the Allianz Sydney Stadium, after Indonesia lost 1-5 to Australia in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup on March 20, 2025. Photo by AP

Sports outlet Bola reported that fan expectations were high heading into the match, with both Kluivert and his players optimistic about a potential upset against Australia. Instead, the team suffered their worst defeat of the qualifying campaign, leaving supporters bitterly disappointed.

"Indonesia were destroyed by Australia," Bola wrote bluntly in the match report. "Calls to dismiss Patrick Kluivert poured in immediately after the final whistle, reflecting the frustration of fans who felt tortured watching the match."

The hashtag #PatrickKluivertOut quickly gained traction on social media platform X, with fans expressing anger and disappointment.

One user commented: "From the beginning, I had a bad feeling when he took over."

Another added: "We were dreaming of total football like the Netherlands, but all we got was a total defeat."

While some users were more sympathetic, citing the transition period and lack of team cohesion, many criticized Kluivert's chaotic lineup choices and tactical approach.

"Haye didn't run much, which is why he needs Ivar Jenner. Jay Idzes has a good physique, but he needs someone like Rizky Ridho to compensate for his lack of pace," a fan wrote.

Several fans also expressed support for former coach Shin Tae-yong, saying Kluivert lacks the motivational presence of his predecessor.

"Is this the price we pay for firing Shin so suddenly?" a user wrote.

Indonesia signed a two-year contract with Dutch coach Kluivert in January, days after it fired South Korean Shin following Indonesia's elimination from the group stage of 2024 ASEAN Cup.

At the Thursday World Cup qualifier, Indonesia fielded 10 naturalized players in their starting lineup, alongside local star Marselino Ferdinan. New additions Dean James and Ole Romeny also made their debuts.

Despite an early opportunity, Indonesia missed a chance to go ahead when Kevin Diks hit the post from a penalty in the eighth minute. Just two minutes later, Nathan Tjoe-A-On gave away a penalty, allowing Martin Boyle to open the scoring.

The defense quickly crumbled, as Nishan Velupillay added a second goal in the 12th minute after a high defensive line was exploited. Jackson Irvine netted another before halftime, taking the score to 3-0.

Australia (yellow jersey) thrashed Indonesia 5-1 in their match at the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup on March 20, 2025. Photo by AP

Indonesia started the second half with improved control, but poor marking on corners allowed Australia to score two more goals in the 61st and 90th minutes. A consolation goal by Romeny, his first for the national team, was Indonesia's only bright spot.

According to Suara, Indonesia maintained over 60% possession, but Australia were far superior in creating chances and finishing.

The loss dropped Indonesia to fourth place in Group C, with six points and a goal difference of -7, equal to Bahrain but ahead of China (-10) only because China still have one match to play.

This marks Indonesia's heaviest defeat of the third round, surpassing their 0-4 loss to Japan, and the first time they've conceded five goals since their 1-5 defeat to Iraq in November 2023.