Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Chinese midfielder Xie Wenneng boasted that he was a naturalized player Indonesian National Team only second class players after the two teams clashed in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
China struggled to beat the Indonesian National Team 2-1 on the fourth matchday of the 2026 World Cup Qualification at Qingdao Stadium, Tuesday (15/10) evening WIB.
The Garuda troops actually dominated the game and forced China to play defensively. However, China was able to achieve victory taking advantage of Indonesia’s back line errors.
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Speaking to Chinese media, M. Dongqiudi, Xie Wenneng said that the quality of Dragon Team players was better than Indonesian players, most of whom were naturalized players.
“The naturalized players from the Indonesian National Team are only second-class players in Asia, right? In fact, our strength is not worse than theirs,” said Xie Wenneng.
“If you look at individual quality alone, I think we are almost the same as them, even better,” added Xie Wenneng.
Xie Wenner’s statement is not completely true. Because, there are several Indonesian players who are the backbone of clubs in Europe and the United States.
Among them are Jay Idzes who is the mainstay of Serie A club Venezia, Mees Hilgers with FC Twente (Eredivisie) Maarten Paes with FC Dallas (Major League Soccer).
Talking about the next match, Xie Wenneng is also targeting a win against Bahrain to open up hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals.
“In the next match, of course I hope to win, but I have been banned from playing. I have received two yellow cards,” he said.
China is currently still at the bottom of Group C with three points. Meanwhile, Indonesia is stuck in third place with three points but is ahead on goal difference from China.
In November, China will challenge Bahrain in Riffa and host Japan at home.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(June/May)
