Comments on the match Iraq vs Indonesia, 2:30 a.m. October 12: Broken dreams

Comments on the match between Iraq and Indonesia, 2:30 a.m. on October 12: Broken dreams - photo 1

Iraq vs Indonesia form

Regardless of the geographical distance, thousands of fans gathered at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium to cheer on coach Patrick Kluivert and his team in the opening match of Group B, Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

However, against the superior host team Saudi Arabia, Tim Garuda could not create a surprise. The 2-3 defeat pushed the Southeast Asian representative to the risk of having to say goodbye to their dream of reaching the world arena.

To maintain the hope of at least finishing second, thereby securing a spot in the intercontinental play-off, Indonesia must not lose in the encounter with Iraq. This is considered a difficult challenge for Oratmangoen and his teammates.

Simply because Iraq is considered the nemesis of the archipelago nation. In the last 6 meetings between the two sides, Indonesia has lost all of them, scoring only 2 and conceding 19 goals.

Notably, since the start of the massive naturalization campaign to upgrade the national team, Indonesia has also faced opponents from West Asia 3 times. In which, they lost 1-5 and 0-2 respectively in both matches in Group F, Round 2 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In between the two convincing defeats was a 1-3 defeat in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup that took place early last year. The statistics clearly carry a lot of weight and signal a difficult battle awaiting Kluivert and his team.

Besides facing a very strong opponent, Indonesia also entered the decisive battle with great pressure. This was the last chance and if they stumbled, the Southeast Asian representative would not be able to correct their mistakes. After a long journey with many expectations, the unfinished dream will make the hearts of football lovers in the archipelago country even more tormented.

Comments on the match between Iraq and Indonesia, 2:30 a.m. on October 12: Broken dreams - photo 2 — Indonesia was defeated by Iraq in the second qualifying round.

It will take another four years for Indonesia to try to rekindle their World Cup hopes. But with the long wait and naturalized stars like Maarten Paes, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Kevin Diks, Marc Klok... all somewhat past their prime, there is no guarantee that Tim Garuda will continue to advance in the qualifying rounds.

On the other side of the battle line, Iraq also entered the match with a determined spirit to win. Because only 3 points against the lowest-rated opponent like Indonesia would help the team under coach Graham Arnold breathe easier in the decisive match with Saudi Arabia.

In case they can win by 2 goals, Iraq will have a big advantage. Because in the last round they only need a draw to win the top spot in the group and a ticket straight to the biggest football festival on the planet.

Facing an underdog opponent, under a lot of pressure and with their physical strength worn down after a tense opening match, Iraq will have a great opportunity to complete their set goal.

Iraq vs Indonesia force information

Iraq: Only Ali Al-Hamadi is absent due to injury. Prominent faces such as Ali Jasim, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh, Youssef Amyn and Ahmed Yehia will all be present.

Indonesia: Serie A goalkeeper Emil Audero is still absent. Domestic star Marselino Ferdinan is also not on the match registration list.

Expected lineup Iraq vs Indonesia

Iraq: Hasan; Putros, Younis, Tahseen, Doski; Rashid, Sher; Farji, Bayesh, Jasim; Hussein

Indonesia: Paes; James, Idzes, Diks, Sayuri; Klok, Pelupessy; Jonathans, Oratmangoen, Kambuaya; Romeny

Prediction: 2-1

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-iraq-vs-indonesia-2h30-ngay-1210-giac-mo-tan-vo-173903.html