Making Many Mistakes, Shin Tae-Yong's Troops Hit By Iraq 1-5

Ali Al-Hamadi is one of the Ieak goalscorers. (photo: iraqfootballpod)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team had to swallow a bitter pill in the first match of the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification. Facing Iraq at the Basra Stadium, the Garuda Squad lost badly with a final score of 1-5.

In the match which was held on Thursday, November 16 at 21.45 WIB, Shin Tae-yong's team fell behind the hosts. Iraq scored two points through Bashar Rasan Boyan and Jordi Amat's suicide.

This mistake made the national team start to launch attacks and continue to press to open up opportunities. However, after several attempts, a new golden opportunity appeared at the end of extra time.

Shayne Pattynama became the savior of the Indonesian national team because he managed to open the score. The score changed to 1-2 for Indonesia when the match entered the 45+3 minute followed by the halftime whistle.

Continuing the game after the break, the national team had an open chance to add goals. But in fact the hosts went crazy, in front of 65 thousand spectators the Iraqi national team added two points.

The score is now 4-1 for Iraq after Osamah Rashid and Youssey Amyn hit Nadeo Argawinata's net in the 61st and 81st minutes. Not satisfied with breaking into the Garuda squad's goal four times, Iran went on a rampage again.

Seven minutes later, or to be precise, in the 88th time of the match, the hosts increased their lead again. This time it was through execution by Ali Al Hamadi which also made the score stuck at 5-1 for the hosts to win at the end of the match.

The number of mistakes made by the defense line was one of the main weaknesses of Shin Tae-yong's troops. The pressure exerted by Iraq on the Indonesian defense area also made the national team's game worse.

This defeat then put Indonesia in the bottom position of Group F standings with zero points and also a goal difference from the Philippines in third place. Iraq is now at the top with three points, the same as Vietnam.

Even though they lost, the Indonesian national team had to get up because there was another match that had to be played. After this, the Garuda Squad will face the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Tuesday 21 November.