Indonesian players sobbed, PSSI President said bitterly: 'We apologize...'

President of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir shared his thoughts after the country's national team officially lost the chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

On his personal page, Mr. Erick Thohir expressed: "Thank you to the fans, players and officials for fighting with all your might in the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time in history that the Indonesian team can go to this round."

The PSSI President also apologized to Indonesian fans: "We apologize because Indonesia's dream of being present at the World Cup has not been realized yet."

Indonesia team cannot attend World Cup 2026

PHOTO: REUTERS

The PSSI chief's comments came after the Indonesian team lost 0-1 to Iraq in the early morning of October 12, finishing bottom of Group B in the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. This result also officially caused Indonesia to lose the chance to participate in the biggest football festival on the planet. In this match, Indonesia started well and had more shots in 90 minutes than Iraq (9 compared to 7). However, the archipelago team could not penetrate Iraq's net once. Not only that, in the 76th minute, the Indonesian defense also played without determination, creating conditions for Zidane Iqbal to shoot the ball, scoring the only goal of the match.

Coach Patrick Kluivert punched the chair to vent his anger, Indonesian players sobbed

According to Indonesian media, both the coaching staff and the players could not accept the bitter 0-1 loss to Iraq. Suara described: “The Indonesian national team was extremely disappointed right after Chinese referee Ma Ning blew the long whistle to signal the loss to the Iraqi national team. The 0-1 result at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium eliminated the Indonesian national team and prevented them from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Television footage showed coach Patrick Kluivert punching the bench twice. The Dutch strategist seemed to be in disbelief about his team's defeat. Afterwards, Mr. Patrick Kluivert wiped his face with a towel.

Meanwhile, Thom Haye appeared extremely distressed. The Persib Bandung midfielder even burst into tears, covering his face with his shirt. Ole Romeny lay motionless on the pitch, then was comforted by Iraqi midfielder Zidane Iqbal. Ramadhan Sananta also sat listlessly. Jay Idzes was seen trying to cheer up Thom Haye, who was still immersed in deep sadness.

The Indonesian team received 2 losses, ranked bottom of group B

PHOTO: REUTERS

What did the player who "sent" Indonesia home say?

On the other hand, Zidane Iqbal - who scored the only goal of the match - was voted the best player of the match. He and the Iraqi team currently have 3 points, equal to Saudi Arabia. In the final match, taking place on October 15, the two teams will clash directly to determine the top spot to win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Sharing with the media, Zidane Iqbal expressed his joy: "It's great to score against the Indonesian team. Every moment of this match makes me excited. The spirit of the Iraqi team is very high and we are ready for the decisive match with Saudi Arabia."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cau-thu-indonesia-khoc-nac-chu-tich-pssi-noi-loi-chua-xot-chung-toi-xin-loi-185251012060107661.htm