Not since their debut in 1938 has the archipelago, then known as the Dutch East Indies, appeared at a World Cup. But with the Finals growing to 48 teams in 2026, efforts to return have quickly gathered momentum.
Nine players in the squad who defeated the Philippines in a qualifier at a sold-out Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta in June were born in the Netherlands, from whom Indonesia gained independence in 1949.
"It's a boost for everyone that we can go to the next (third) round," said Amsterdam-born midfielder Thom Haye, who scored the opener in the 2-0 win over the Philippines.
This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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