FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - Indonesia VS China Prediction
FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - Indonesia VS China
Match Time:05-06-2025 21:45 Thursday (UTC+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualification match between Indonesia and China, scheduled for June 5, 2025, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, is a critical Group C clash. Both teams are fighting for a top-four spot to advance in the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Below is a detailed analysis, including team reviews, head-to-head history, and a prediction based on available information.
Team Reviews
Indonesia
Current Form and Standing: Indonesia, ranked 130th in the FIFA World Rankings, has shown resilience in the third round of AFC qualifiers. They are fourth in Group C with nine points from two wins and three draws, level with China but ahead on goal difference. Their campaign started strongly with draws against Saudi Arabia (1-1), Australia (0-0), and Bahrain (2-2), but they suffered a 2-1 loss to China and a 4-0 defeat to Japan. A recent 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia highlights their potential to compete against stronger sides.
Strengths: Under new head coach Patrick Kluivert, appointed in January 2025, Indonesia has bolstered its squad with European-based players like Justin Hubner (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kevin Diks (Copenhagen), and Ole Romeny (Oxford United). Their aggressive playstyle and home advantage at the 77,193-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, backed by passionate fans, make them a tough opponent. Indonesia's ability to hold top teams to draws shows their defensive organization and counter-attacking threat.
Weaknesses: Injuries and absences are a significant concern. Key players like Maarten Paes (goalkeeper), Sandy Walsh, Elkan Baggott, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Marselino Ferdinan are confirmed to miss this match, forcing Kluivert to rely on replacements like Emil Audero (goalkeeper), Asnawi Mangkualam (right-back), and Ivar Jenner or Ricky Kambuaya (midfield). This could disrupt team cohesion. Additionally, Indonesia’s lack of clinical finishing has cost them in tight matches.
Key Players: Ole Romeny, who scored a stunning goal against Bahrain, and Kevin Diks are pivotal in attack and defense. Emil Audero’s potential debut in goal could be crucial, given his experience in European leagues.
China
Current Form and Standing: China, ranked 93rd, is sixth in Group C with nine points, matching Indonesia but trailing on goal difference. Their campaign has been inconsistent, starting with three losses: 7-0 to Japan, 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, and 3-1 to Australia. However, they secured a vital 2-1 win over Indonesia in October 2024 and a 2-0 victory against China in March 2025, showing signs of recovery under coach Branko Ivanković.
Strengths: China’s physicality and experience give them an edge in set pieces and defensive solidity. Players like Zhang Yuning, who scored against Indonesia previously, and Behram Abduweli provide goal-scoring threats. Their recent wins suggest improving morale and tactical discipline under Ivanković, who is under pressure to deliver. Playing away in Indonesia’s intimidating atmosphere will test their resilience, but their experience in high-stakes matches could help.
Weaknesses: China’s attack lacks consistency, especially without star forward Wu Lei, who has struggled for form. Their defense has been porous, conceding 10 goals in their first three matches. On the road, China has been vulnerable, with only one win in their last five competitive matches. Their reliance on a few key players makes them predictable, and they may struggle against Indonesia’s high-pressing game.
Key Players: Zhang Yuning’s finishing and Wang Dalei’s goalkeeping will be critical. Midfielder Wang Ziming could exploit any defensive lapses by Indonesia’s makeshift backline.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Historical Record: China dominates the head-to-head record, winning 11 of 17 matches against Indonesia, who have won only three times. Indonesia’s last victory over China was in February 1987 (3-1 in the King’s Cup). The most recent encounter was on October 15, 2024, in Qingdao, where China won 2-1, with Behram Abduweli and Zhang Yuning scoring for China and Thom Haye replying for Indonesia. This ended Indonesia’s nine-game winless streak against China.
Key Trends: China’s historical dominance is tempered by Indonesia’s recent improvement. The 2024 match showed Indonesia’s ability to compete, as they dominated early possession but failed to convert chances. China’s goals came from clinical finishing, highlighting Indonesia’s defensive vulnerabilities. However, Indonesia’s home form and China’s poor away record suggest a closer contest this time.
Prediction: Indonesia 1-1 China
Context: This match is pivotal for both teams, as a top-four finish in Group C is crucial for advancing to the next round of World Cup qualifying. Indonesia’s home advantage and passionate crowd could tilt the balance, but their absences might hinder their performance. China, buoyed by recent wins, will aim to exploit Indonesia’s depleted squad, but their inconsistent away form is a concern.
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