The Indonesian national team received fresh air after their potential opponents in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications in the Asian zone, China, were claimed to be in a worrying situation.
Ahead of this clash, local Chinese media, Sohu, said that the Bamboo Curtain Country squad had received unpleasant news. They highlighted the candidates for two new naturalized players: Mees Hilgers and Eliano Reijnders who will soon strengthen the Indonesian national team.
“Bad news for the Chinese national team! Oscar, a foreign player in the Chinese Super League, has not returned to China, and Indonesia has added one more naturalized player,” was the title of the article written by Sohu.
Apart from being worried about the Indonesian toktoto national team getting additional new ammunition ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Sohu also regrets that former Chelsea star, Oscar, failed to be naturalized by the Chinese Football Federation (CFA).
Throughout September, the Chinese national team has been experiencing a bad trend. The team made by Branko Ivankovic failed miserably in the first two matches of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications in the Asian zone. They suffered two defeats against Japan (0-7) and Saudi Arabia (1-2).
Currently, Team Dragons is at the bottom of the standings or sixth place in Group C of the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with zero points. Branko Ivankovic’s position is also in danger of being fired following the poor results.
“The Chinese toktoto national team has received two bad info which has disappointed its follower. First, Oscar, who plays for the Chinese Super League team, Cangzhou Lions, has not returned, even though he should have the potential to become a naturalized player for the national football team,” wrote Sohu as quoted on Wednesday ( 9/18/2024).
“Secondly, the Indonesian national team’s opponents have added one more naturalized player, and this important striker is attracting a lot of attention,” continued the media.
In his review, Sohu said that the Chinese national team was facing a difficult situation. Their performance is worrying ahead of facing the Indonesian National Team at home. If they don’t get up soon, it will be difficult for them to realize their dream of performing at the 2026 World Cup.
“The difficulties faced by the Chinese national football team are worrying, losing the previous two matches. Due to poor performance, the Chinese football association is also considering replacing head coach Ivankovic,” he said.
“However, Ivankovic is reluctant to leave and hopes to continue coaching the Chinese national football team. Even if he is forced to resign, he must ensure that his entire salary can be paid,” continued Sohu.
The condition of the Chinese national team is not good ahead of the match against the Indonesian national team in October 2024. The Chinese coaching team is now split between head coach Branko Ivankovic and assistant Zheng Zi.
China achieved poor results in the first two matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone. The Bamboo Curtain country lost badly 0-7 to Japan and was beaten by Saudi Arabia with a score of 1-2 at home.
This result certainly does not match the scenario prepared. The reason is, these two defeats made China the bottom of Group C. China is the only team that has not received any points.