JAKARTA (AFP) – An Indonesian team under Dutch colonial rule sailed to France for the 1938 World Cup — they lost their only game 6-0 and the country has not played at the tournament since.
More than 80 years on, football-mad Indonesia is dreaming of a return, with a large contingent of Netherlands-born players spearheading the charge.
Indonesia are in the decisive third round of Asian qualifying as they attempt to reach the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Recent squads have included as many as 10 Dutch-born players after football officials intensely recruited from the Indonesian diaspora in its former colonial ruler.
“We have our choice to look for quality players,” said Football Association of Indonesia committee member Arya Sinulingga.
“FIFA provides that space and from our law it is also possible, so why not?”
Ahead of Friday’s home clash with Japan in front of an anticipated 78,000 fans in the capital Jakarta, Indonesia are fifth of the six teams in their qualifying group.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin