The Indonesia national soccer team under coach Louis Cluivert has faced severe criticism. Following the humiliating loss to Japan in the World Cup qualifiers, comparisons to the team’s performance during the tenure of former coach Shin Tae-yong have been continuously made in the local media.

Indonesian media outlet Disway reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "public opinion comparing coaches Cluivert and Shin Tae-yong is rapidly spreading," and noted that "the defeat against Japan clearly revealed the limitations of Cluivert's regime."

In the final match of the 3rd round of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers, Indonesia suffered a crushing defeat, losing 0-6 to a near-reserve line-up of Japan. Japan, which had already secured its place in the finals, fielded many players who had received relatively fewer opportunities, leaving out many of its main starters. However, Indonesia failed to overcome even these players and was thoroughly defeated.

According to Footmob, Indonesia failed to record even a single shot that day, showing a complete lack of effectiveness in attack. They conceded three goals in the first half, including a multi-goal performance from Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), and gave up another three goals in the second half, completely falling apart.

Such results have led to extreme disappointment among Indonesian fans. Disway strongly criticized, saying, "PSSI (Indonesian Football Association), the team, and the coaching staff must face reality. The humiliating defeat against Japan has laid bare the issues currently facing Indonesian soccer."

In particular, comparisons with the tenure of former coach Shin Tae-yong have intensified criticism against coach Cluivert. Disway emphasized, "80% of the team was replaced under Cluivert's regime. Nevertheless, they couldn't create even a single shot opportunity against Japan," adding, "In contrast, under the tenure of coach Shin Tae-yong, Indonesia managed 8 shots and 3 on target even against a much stronger Japan."

In fact, in November of last year, when coach Shin Tae-yong was in charge, Japan fielded its best players, including Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Ritsu Doan (Freiburg). The defensive line included Ko Itakura (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Zain Suzuki from Italy's Serie A Parma.

Despite this, Shin Tae-yong's Indonesia created two decisive scoring chances. According to Footmob, they failed to score due to a lack of finishing ability, but their performance was certainly impressive. Although the result was a 0-4 defeat, it showed a significant difference in gameplay compared to Cluivert's regime, which faced a 0-6 loss.

There are also evaluations suggesting that the massive changes to the team have had adverse effects. Indonesian media outlet Liputan6 reported, "Rafael Struijk (Brisbane Roar), who was a reliable forward under former coach Shin Tae-yong, has seen his position rapidly decline under coach Cluivert." It indicates that the coaching change has caused confusion throughout the team.

Ultimately, Indonesian soccer is revealing the limitations of Cluivert's regime and is being distinctly compared to the tenure of coach Shin Tae-yong. It remains to be seen how the Indonesia Football Association and coach Cluivert will proceed following the humiliating defeat against Japan.

[OSEN]