Needing at least a draw to stay in contention for the fifth round, head coach Patrick Kluivert deployed an aggressive lineup against Iraq. Indonesia dominated early play with 58% possession and seven shots in the first half but failed to convert chances from Zijlstra and Thom Haye. The teams went into halftime level at 0–0 despite Indonesia’s superior attacking numbers.
After the break, Iraq seized control. The visitors’ head coach Graham Arnold adjusted tactics effectively, and his substitutions proved decisive. In the 78th minute, Youssef Amyn delivered a precise pass to Zidane Iqbal, who slotted home the winner past Indonesia’s goalkeeper Maarten Paes.
Iraq, despite a late red card for defender Tahseen, held firm defensively to secure the three points. The result puts Iraq in contention with Saudi Arabia for a direct berth to the World Cup finals, while Indonesia exits after consecutive losses in the fourth qualifying stage.
The bitter defeat ends Indonesia’s ambitious campaign, despite their spirited performance and tactical adjustments under Kluivert.
(Source: TPO)