Accordingly, on March 20, they will meet host Australia. And on March 25, Indonesia will host Bahrain at home.

In the first leg, the Indonesian team drew with both opponents. Those positive results helped Indonesia create a surprise when they finished 3rd in Group C, after Japan and Australia. If they just make it to the top 2, they will win a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

But the rematch against Australia and Bahrain this time will certainly not be easy for Indonesia. In the first leg, they entered the field in good health after being well fed. But now, many Indonesian players will not have that because of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Despite massively naturalizing many stars from Europe, new coach Patrick Kluivert still had to call up many native players such as Nadeo Argawinata, Egy Maulana, Ricky Kambuaya, Marselino Ferdinan, Rizky Ridho, Pratama Arhan... Most of these names, if not all, had to fast during Ramadan. That means they had to fast from before sunrise until sunset.

This has had a significant impact on the physical strength and playing ability of the Indonesian team. Even Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah is not immune to this situation. For many seasons and even this year, Salah has always played explosively but always slowed down when Ramadan came.

Therefore, the Indonesian press has reason to worry about the home team in the upcoming two matches against Australia and Bahrain. Of course, the worry about the Australian team will be greater because Bahrain is, after all, an Islamic country like Indonesia.

Even coach Patrick Kluivert is aware of the vegetarian diet of Indonesian players. In a recent interview, he shared about his plan to ensure the best nutrition for his players.

"We will provide the best support for players who have to fast during Ramadan. They will be provided with the most nutritious foods to ensure they can compete effectively. Everything will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, nutritionists, and doctors," the Dutch strategist shared.

The match against Australia will also be the official debut of coach Patrick Kluivert. And his ability will be most clearly demonstrated in this match.