Indonesia's World Cup Hopes Lost: National Team Played Better Against Iraq Than Against Saudi Arabia

October 12, 2025 | 11:09 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian national team is considered to have played better when facing Iraq in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone, compared to the previous match against Saudi Arabia. However, Jay Idzes and his teammates ended up losing once again.

"The Indonesian national team actually played well in this match. Much better than when playing against Saudi Arabia," said Indonesian football observer, Mohamad Kusnaeni, when confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

In the match against Iraq at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, October 12, the Garuda squad showed promise in the early stages of the game and were able to dominate possession in the first half. However, they failed to score and eventually conceded a goal in the 76th minute by Zidane Iqbal, which turned out to be the winning goal.

Kusnaeni regretted that in the first half, the front line of Patrick Kulivert's squad was not sharp enough, including being less clinical in the finishing. Despite that, he said that Tom Haye and his teammates excelled in ball possession with the midfield and defense playing more organized than in the previous match.

Mohamad Kusnaeni. Photo: x

In the second half, Kusnaeni said the Indonesian players lost control in the midfield, especially after Iraq introduced two key midfielders, Zidane Iqbal and Ali Jassim.

According to him, Iraq did not have any truly dangerous opportunities. The only goal scored by Zidane was born from a small mistake in the defense, which was well utilized through an exceptional finish.

"It's very unfortunate that we had to lose. Although it's indeed difficult to score, we actually deserve to get a draw," he said.

Kusnaeni added that Indonesia's defeat must be accepted as a consequence of high-level football. "The final result sometimes feels painful due to small mistakes that the opponent manages to capitalize on," he said.

The result ensures Indonesia's elimination from the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone, following a 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia at the same stadium last Thursday. These two defeats place the Red and White Team at the bottom of Group B with no points. Meanwhile, Iraq and Saudi Arabia will compete to determine the group winner to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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