The Indonesian national team once again demonstrated a champion’s mentality by defeating Bahrain 1-0 on March 25, 2025.
This victory marks a turning point after a crushing 1-5 defeat against Australia, which had shaken hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. With solid defense and a well-executed strategy, Garuda is now back on the right track.
The "JIR" Trio: A Solid Defensive Wall
One of the key factors behind Indonesia's victory was the outstanding performance of the defensive trio—Justin Hubner, Jay Idzes, and Rizky Ridho—now dubbed the "JIR" trio.
According to SeasiaGoal, the trio have played together in the last seven matches, keeping six clean sheets and conceding only against Japan (0-4).
The JIR Trio’s Performance Against Bahrain:
Rizky Ridho delivered a solid display with six clearances, two interceptions, and one successful tackle, as reported by Sofascore. Beyond his defensive duties, he also contributed to ball distribution with a 78% pass accuracy and three successful long passes that helped build attacks from the back.
Jay Idzes, according to FootyStats, showcased composure with one clean tackle, three clearances, and a crucial interception that denied Bahrain’s dangerous cross.
Justin Hubner played a major role in keeping the defense tight, recording five clearances, two successful tackles, and one interception, ensuring Indonesia secured all three points, based on data from Fotmob.
This defensive trio has been instrumental in keeping Indonesia’s goal safe, proving their value as a formidable backline.
Ole Romeny: Hero in Two Consecutive Matches
Ole Romeny’s name continues to shine after playing a key role in Indonesia’s last two matches. Against Australia, he scored Indonesia’s first goal against the Socceroos since 1984. Then, in the match against Bahrain, he once again became the decisive player, securing victory with a lone goal in the 25th minute.
Romeny is not only a clinical finisher but also an active presence on the field. In the match against Australia, he recorded two shots, 11 accurate passes, and won four duels. His sharpness in front of goal has become a new weapon for Indonesia in their quest for a World Cup spot.
Alex Pastoor: The Tactical Mind Behind Indonesia?
Beyond the players on the pitch, Indonesia’s assistant coach, Alex Pastoor, has also drawn attention. Vietnamese media outlet VN Express suggested that his influence on tactics is even greater than that of Patrick Kluivert, the team’s head coach.
Pastoor was seen actively giving strategic instructions throughout the match. According to Liputan6.com, just before Romeny’s goal, Pastoor was observed giving direct guidance to the players.
However, the final authority still lies with Patrick Kluivert as the head coach. While Pastoor’s role has been prominent, Kluivert remains the figure leading the team and ultimately responsible for Indonesia’s strategy and results.
Upcoming Schedule: A Crucial Duel Awaits
Indonesia still has two tough matches remaining in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Asian Zone:
- Indonesia vs China – June 5, 2025
- Indonesia vs Japan – June 10, 2025
The match against Japan will be a major test, as Indonesia suffered a 0-4 defeat in their previous encounter. Meanwhile, the clash against China will also be crucial in determining Garuda’s fate in the qualifiers.
Indonesia’s Chances of Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup
Indonesia currently sits in 4th place in Group C, but their path to the 2026 World Cup is still open. With the latest results, qualification remains within reach—as long as Garuda secures maximum points in the next matches.
The 1-0 victory over Bahrain was more than just three points—it was a statement. It proved that Garuda can rise, recover, and keep pushing toward their ultimate dream. If they can keep this momentum going, Indonesia could make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.
But the journey is far from over. Beating Japan and China in the upcoming matches would propel Indonesia to second place in the group, securing a direct spot in the World Cup.
Even if they fall short, finishing third or fourth would still give them a lifeline in the fourth round. The stakes are higher than ever, and Garuda must stay sharp, fight hard, and believe—because history is within reach.
