World Cup dream shattered, Indonesian player collapses on the field

(Dan Tri) - The Indonesian team's dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup has gone up in smoke when the team from the archipelago suffered its second loss in the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup and finished at the bottom of the group.

Coach Patrick Kluivert's team failed to cause any surprises when they lost 0-1 to Iraq in the second match of Group B, the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Saudi Arabia) which took place early this morning (October 12, Vietnam time).

The Indonesian team (in red) lost narrowly to Iraq and ended their journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup (Photo: Bola).

Zidane Iqbal's only goal in the 76th minute ended Indonesia's dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup as they were already at the bottom of Group B, having previously lost 2-3 to host Saudi Arabia. Now the direct World Cup ticket is a competition between Iraq and Saudi Arabia on October 15.

Notably, after the defeat to Iraq, many Indonesian players could not hide their disappointment and collapsed on the field. Television cameras recorded the scene of midfielder Thom Haye crying like rain after referee Ma Ning (Chinese) blew the whistle to end the match.

Indonesia national team captain Jay Idzes came over and tried to calm Thom Haye down. Even Iraq players like Ali Jasim had to come over and comfort Thom Haye.

Thom Haye collapsed on the field and sobbed after Indonesia's dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup was shattered (Photo: Reuters).

For Thom Haye, this may be his last chance to compete for a World Cup spot with Indonesia. The Dutch-born player is 30 years old and there is no guarantee he will be around for another four years.

Striker Miliano Jonathans also became the focus of live television cameras. The young player, who plays for Dutch club Utrecht, could not hide his sadness, holding his shirt to stop the tears from falling.

"Not only Thom Haye, Miliano Jonathans but Ole Romeny also collapsed on the field, looking sad, but he tried to keep his spirit up when his teammates approached. Kevin Diks also looked depressed, his head bowed in the middle of the field.

Coach Patrick Kluivert also appeared sad and extremely disappointed. People saw the Dutch strategist cover his face with a small scarf when the long whistle blew," Indonesian newspaper Bola described the sadness of coach Patrick Kluivert and his team after the journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers officially ended.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/giac-mo-du-world-cup-tan-vo-cau-thu-indonesia-do-guc-xuong-san-20251012065718365.htm