Iraq Doesn't Care About Hot Weather, The Most Important Of Controlling The Ball When Facing The Indonesian National Team

Iraq already understands the weather in Jakarta ahead of the match against the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@iraqnt_en).

JAKARTA - Iraqi coach Jesus Casas had mentioned that the hot weather and high humidity in Jakarta were quite a challenge for his foster children when they met the Indonesian national team.

However, this does not want to be used as an excuse. According to the coach, the hot weather should not affect his team's game.

When meeting the Indonesian national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Thursday, June 6, 2024, the most important thing was for Casas' team to focus on possession.

"I think the most important thing in football is the ball itself. If we have the ball, it (hot weather) doesn't matter," said Jesus Casas at a press conference ahead of the match in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Jesus Casas himself realized that the hot weather that was a challenge for his team would not even affect the Garuda Squad.

You see, as the host, the Indonesian national team is used to it and instead makes it a gap to pressure his team.

"Of course, Indonesian players are used to playing with conditions like this, with humidity like this, but we don't want to complain about it," said Casas.

"I prefer to focus on our game, on our system, on our model. We will try to feel focused on the game during the game and nothing more," he said.

Regarding the hot weather discussed by the coach, this was revealed because Jesus Casas and his team had already felt the situation in Jakarta.

Before undergoing the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification match against the Indonesian national team, the Mesopotamian Lions landed in the country since Sunday, June 2, 2024.

After arriving, Jesus Casas and his team held several exercises at the SUGBK Complex field. This agenda allows them to feel the weather in Jakarta even though the training is often held in the late afternoon.