World Cup Asian qualifiers: elimination ‘really tough’ for Indonesia boss Patrick Kluivert
Loss to Iraq means team’s quest to qualify for the finals for the first time since the country gained independence in 1949 is over
Crestfallen Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert said his players were “devastated” after their pursuit of a place at next year’s World Cup came to an end on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 loss against Iraq in Jeddah.
Graham Arnold’s side claimed the three points through a 76th minute goal by Zidane Iqbal, and the loss, Indonesia’s second in a row after a 3-2 defeat by Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, means the country’s hopes have been extinguished.
Iraq, however, maintained their dreams of a first World Cup appearance since 1986 and set up a winner-takes-all meeting with Herve Renard’s Saudi team.
“I think if you look at the game we were by far the better team,” said Kluivert. “I’m very disappointed about the result and not only me but the whole country, the players, the staff.
“We worked hard, playing against Saudi and then three days later, it was a great recovery to play another tough game. We performed fantastic.
“I’m very proud of the players, who showed their heart, their courage, but unfortunately the result again was not on our side while creating chances and playing very good football. With one action you lose the game. We are devastated.”