Saudi Arabian citizens are even shouting 'Claudio Verboord Out' over the results of the Indonesian national football team.
Indonesian 'TVONENEWS' reported on the 24th (Korea time) that the citizens of Saudi Arabia are angry over their national team’s 1-5 defeat in the 7th match of Group C in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualification, which took place away against Australia on the 20th.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) abruptly dismissed former coach Shin Tae-yong last January and appointed 'Dutch legend' Patrick Kluivert (49) as the new head coach.
Until then, Indonesia, with 6 points (1 win, 3 draws, 2 losses), was in a fierce battle for second place with Saudi Arabia. Indonesia drew against Saudi Arabia 1-1, against Australia 0-0, and against Bahrain 2-2, but lost to China and Japan 1-2 and 0-4 respectively, while defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0, boosting their morale.
However, under Kluivert's leadership, Indonesia faced a devastating defeat against Australia, causing them to plummet to 4th place. Their chances of qualifying for the World Cup have become difficult. Meanwhile, Australia, having beaten Indonesia, has risen to 2nd place (10 points).
In response to this result, the citizens of Indonesia expressed their anger. Even in the Australian away stadium, the name 'Shin Tae-yong' resonated. Reactions calling for the dismissal of Kluivert have also surfaced.
However, the angry individuals are not just in Indonesia. According to the article, like Indonesia, Saudi citizens have also begun posting the 'Kluivert Out' hashtag on social media (SNS).
Saudi citizens recalled the fact that they lost 0-2 to Indonesia in an away match last November, saying, "Shin Tae-yong was a more suitable coach for Indonesia. They dismissed him, who was achieving good results, and brought in Kluivert, who lacks coaching experience."
Saudi Arabia is currently in 3rd place in Group C (9 points). With Japan having secured its spot in the finals, five countries are engaged in a fierce competition for second place. Australia is in 2nd place, but the bottom-ranked China has the same points as Indonesia.
Ultimately, it is crucial for Saudi Arabia to overcome its main rival, Australia, in the race for a spot in the finals. Indonesia's heavy defeat against Australia is also unfavorable for Saudi Arabia. This seems to have moved the hearts of the Saudi citizens.
Meanwhile, Indonesia, which missed out on victory in Kluivert's debut match, will travel to Bahrain for an away game on the 25th. In contrast, Saudi Arabia will head to an away match against Japan.
Saudi Arabia, which is likely to lose to Japan, will face an even tougher World Cup qualifier if Indonesia loses to Bahrain again. Since Saudi Arabia has already completed home and away matches against the weakened Indonesia, this situation has become even more regrettable.
[OSEN]