Dutch flavour in Indonesia's World Cup quest

Indonesia's challenge for a first World Cup appearance in almost 90 years takes on a distinctly Dutch flavour when Shin Tae-yong's side face Saudi Arabia on Sept 5, hoping to ignite dreams of a long-awaited return to the game's greatest stage.

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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.