Indonesia reacted strongly to the Japanese national team, which sent a secondary squad.
The Japanese national team will play an away match against Australia in Perth on June 5 and then face Indonesia in the final round of the North and Central American World Cup third qualifying round on June 10 in Suita, Japan.
The Japan Football Association announced the roster of 27 players for the World Cup third qualifying round against Australia and Indonesia on the 23rd. Japan is in a comfortable situation as it has secured a place in the World Cup finals earlier than any other country.
Japan, the leader of Group C (6 wins, 2 draws, 20 points), has already secured a direct ticket to the finals given to the second-placed team. Japan aims to integrate new talents while using veterans in the remaining matches.
In this gathering, Japan excluded 14 key overseas members, including Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg), and Junya Ito (Reims). Instead, they called up promising players like 2006-born J-Leaguer Ryuunosuke Sato. Ace Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) was included.
After abruptly dismissing coach Shin Taeyong, Indonesia appointed Patrick Kluivert, who reacted strongly, stating that Japan does not send its first team to their matches.
Kluivert expressed his displeasure regarding Japan's sending of a secondary squad, saying, "I don't know what the Japanese coach is thinking."
He added, "We plan to face every match with our best strength. The two countries we compete against are not easy at all."
Kluivert, Shin Taeyong's successor, suffered a 1-5 defeat in his debut against Australia. He relieved some pressure by winning 1-0 against Bahrain in March.
However, there is much criticism. Kluivert's trajectory closely resembles that of former South Korea national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann. Kluivert is not residing in Indonesia and is seen at various football events in Europe.
Within Indonesia, voices of criticism are emerging, stating, "Kluivert must return immediately to address the current issues."
[OSEN]