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'It takes time': Robbie Gaspar shares insight on Indonesia's defeat against Australia
SBS Indonesian
15:09
Indonesia suffered a defeat against Australia during the qualification stage of the 2026 World Cup at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday night, March 20.
Robbie Gaspar, a former professional soccer player who played in Australia and Indonesia and is active in 'sports diplomacy' between the two countries, said the match was “like a home game for Indonesia”.
“I came to the stadium, [I saw] red and white everywhere,” he told SBS Indonesian.
Supporters of Indonesia cheer on their team during their soccer World Cup qualifying match against Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, Australia, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Source: AP / Mark Baker/AP/AAP Image
Thousands of Garuda's supporters eventually had to accept a 5-1 defeat despite optimism being quite high at the start of the game.
Gaspar said Australia initially “didn't know what to expect “, although in the end the bond within the team seemed to benefit the host.
“The World Cup qualifiers come maybe two years too early because there are a lot of new players coming in and need to adapt,” said Gaspar, commenting on the Indonesian team.
The team of champions [is] not a champion team. It takes time, it needs adaptation, it needs practice.Robbie Gaspar - Former Australian footballer
“The Australian team has been playing together for a long time.
“They have great match experience. You can't buy that.”
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