The Suriname National Team currently tops Group A of the 2026 Concacaf World Cup qualifiers and has two crucial matches remaining to determine their qualification for the 2026 World Cup

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The statement made by Alex Pastoor, former assistant to the Head Coach of the Indonesian National Team, Patrick Kluivert, shortly after leaving the Garuda National Team, strongly suggests that it is impossible for the Indonesian National Team to qualify for the World Cup due to its 119th FIFA ranking – which has now dropped three spots to 122nd.

“As far as i know, there are three agreements between Kluivert and the Indonesian Government regarding managing the Indonesian National Team. And honestly, it would be extraordinary if we could reach the World Cup. But as a team ranked 119th, that’s not an easy or logical thing,” Pastoor said as quoted by the Dutch media outlet Rondo at the time.

Regarding his statement, the author asks, is that really true? Or zeg maar, to quote the veteran comedian from the Land of Windmills, the late Antoine Gerard Theodore “Toon” Hermans. Just say it in Indonesian. Ouch.

Honestly, the author is certain Meneer Pastoor would be embarrassed if asked to discuss Suriname’s progress in the Concacaf World Cup qualifying rounds. His statement, which stated that it would be difficult and illogical to qualify for the World Cup due to their 119th FIFA ranking, could be reversed by Suriname next December.

Moreover, the man born on October 26, 1966, who used to play as a midfielder, is a former professional Dutch footballer who played for Eredivisie clubs FC Volendam and SC Heerenveen. So, he should be more careful and intelligent in his speech. His knowledge and insight in the field of football should also be above average. It must be broader, more comprehensive, deeper, and sharper.

Now, let’s briefly review Mr. Pastor’s statement by comparing it to Suriname in the narrative. At the time of writing, Suriname, ranked 126th in FIFA, had not yet qualified for the World Cup. However, in the standings for Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf zone, the country, nicknamed Dutch Guiana, still sits at the top.

In their final match in September, Suriname defeated host El Salvador 2-1. Suriname’s goals were scored by Roberto Balker in the 12th minute and Moreo Klas in the 81st minute. El Salvador then reduced the score through an own goal by Surinamese player Jamal Dijksteel in the 73rd minute.

Thanks to this victory, Suriname now has six points from four matches, level with second-placed Panama. The only difference is that Suriname scored 4 goals and conceded 3. Panama scored 3 goals and conceded 2. Suriname still has two matches to play. They will be played on November 14th, a home match against bottom-placed El Salvador with 3 points, and on November 19th, an away match against third-placed Guatemala with 5 points.

These two matches will be crucial for Suriname’s direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. A big win will also be crucial for qualification.

If Suriname can maintain its position at the top of the standings until the final match, the country will automatically qualify as a debutant for the 2026 World Cup with a FIFA ranking of 126th. That’s seven slots below the 119th place mentioned by Meneer Pastoor. Hopefully, they’ll qualify. Aamiin, YRA. (Bembo)