Indonesia coach John Herdman introduces replacement striker Jens Raven ahead of the Bulgaria match at Gelora Bung Karno stadium.
Indonesia coach John Herdman introduces replacement striker Jens Raven ahead of the Bulgaria match at Gelora Bung Karno stadium.
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John Herdman calls up Jens Raven to replace injured Mauro Zijlstra ahead of Bulgaria match

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Indonesia national team coach John Herdman has called up young striker Jens Raven to replace Mauro Zijlstra, sidelined by a hamstring injury, for the FIFA Series 2026 final against Bulgaria tonight. Zijlstra had scored on his debut in the 4-0 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 27. The match is set for Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta at 20:00 WIB.

Indonesia's national team thrashed Saint Kitts and Nevis 4-0 on March 27, 2026, at Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta during the FIFA Series 2026. Goals came from Beckham Putra (twice), Ole Romeny, and Mauro Zijlstra in the 74th/75th minute off a Joey Pelupessy assist.

Football pundit Bung Towel criticized the forward line, particularly Ragnar Oratmangoen's decline from World Cup qualifiers and Zijlstra's worse form due to limited Persija minutes, poor sprinting, and ball losses. "In my view, Ragnar's quality has somewhat declined... Zijlstra, sorry, is even worse," he said on tvOne.

Zijlstra suffered a hamstring injury from a collision after subbing in at minute 72 against Saint Kitts and Nevis, ruling him out against Bulgaria. Herdman summoned Jens Raven from Bali United, whom he scouted in a pre-season game. "I watched Jens play in a pre-season match in Bali... He's very young and can be part of the team's future," Herdman said at Stadion Madya GBK on March 29.

Raven, a 20-year-old Dutch-born player with Indonesian heritage, has U-19 to U-23 experience and could make his senior debut. Herdman has not confirmed playing time but emphasized senior team exposure. The final against Bulgaria is tonight at 20:00 WIB at GBK.

What people are saying

X discussions primarily from Indonesian football media and official accounts report John Herdman's call-up of Jens Raven to replace the injured Mauro Zijlstra for Indonesia's FIFA Series 2026 final against Bulgaria. Sentiments are neutral to positive, featuring well-wishes for Zijlstra's recovery, welcomes for Raven, and speculation on line-up starters.

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