# Indonesia Vs Iraq: Defeat 2-0 In SUGBK Increases Steps To The Third Round

Jakarta, 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Group F which took place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) Jakarta, on Thursday night, brought together the Indonesian National Team with Iraq. In this match, the Indonesian coach, Shin Tae Yong, fielded eight naturalized players and only left three Indonesian players in the starting eleven. However, this strategy has not been able to bring positive results to the Garuda Team.

The match started with the careful tempo of the two teams. Indonesia and Iraq both appeared with high vigilance, prioritizing possession and maintaining the depth of their respective defenses. Iraq, known for its fast and aggressive game, immediately pressed the Indonesian defense. Several times they fired threatening long-range kicks, but not one has yet led right to the goal guarded by Fernando Ari.

Indonesia also provided resistance by relying on attacks from the wing sector. The combination of speed and skills from Indonesian wingers several times suppressed the Iraqi defense. Opportunities were created through Sandy Walsh, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Rafael Struick, but unfortunately until the first half ended, the position remained 0-0.

Entering the second half, Iraq again increased the intensity of its attack. In the 52nd minute, referee Shaun Evans from Australia pointed to the spot after one of the Indonesian players handsballed in the box. Aymen Hussein, the Iraqi striker, who became the executor, managed to beat goalkeeper Fernando Ari and put Iraq 1-0 up.

Indonesia was increasingly depressed when Jordi Amat received a direct red card in the 59th minute due to a gross violation of Iraqi players. Playing with ten players, Indonesia has difficulty developing the game and is increasingly being pressured by Iraqi attacks.

In the 73rd minute, Iraq again received a penalty after goalkeeper Fernando Ari fouled Iraqi players in the penalty box. However, this time Aymen Hussein failed to take advantage of the opportunity, as his shot went wide over Fernando's goal.

Tensions peaked when in the 87th minute, Iraq scored again through Ali Jasim Elaibi. This goal came after goalkeeper Fernando made a fatal mistake while trying to play the ball in the penalty box, which was then put to good use by Elaibi to double Iraq's lead to 2-0.

This 2-0 defeat shows that the two goals that have been lodged in the Indonesian goal are mainly caused by the carelessness of the players themselves. Despite trying hard, the Garuda Team was unable to overcome pressure from Iraq and individual errors were factors that determined the final result of the match.

With this victory, Iraq is getting stronger at the top of Group F with 15 points from five matches. Meanwhile, Indonesia still remains in second place with 7 points as a result of winning twice, drawing once, and losing twice.

Indonesia's chances of advancing to the third round and qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup will be very much determined in the last match against the Philippines on Tuesday, June 11. Indonesia needs a victory so that it can really secure tickets to the third round and qualify directly for the Asian Cup.

The match against Iraq is a valuable lesson for the Indonesian national team. Full support from supporters and an in-depth evaluation of coach Shin Tae Yong is expected to motivate the players to perform better in the next match. Hopefully the Garuda Team will be able to rise and win in a crucial match against the Philippines in order to keep hope of qualifying for the next round and the 2027 Asian Cup.