What did coach Kluivert say when the Indonesian team faced Saudi Arabia and Iraq?

Coach Patrick Kluivert of the Indonesian team is ready to fight with Saudi Arabia and Iraq for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Patrick Kluivert highly appreciates Saudi Arabia and Iraq - Photo: AFP

On the afternoon of July 17, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted the draw for the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. The lucky draw put Indonesia in Group B with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, in Group A are the teams Qatar, UAE and Oman.

Coach Patrick Kluivert of the "island country" team admitted that both opponents are difficult obstacles, but he is ready to confront and achieve the best results.

“I think this draw is just a formality. The two teams we have drawn are very strong, and we know them well,” Kluivert told Kita Garuda.

"The most important thing now is to prepare well, analyze your strengths and be ready to face them," he continued.

Although admitting that Iraq and Saudi Arabia are formidable opponents, the Dutch strategist is still determined to bring the Indonesian team to the World Cup dream:

"We will train hard and analyze Saudi Arabia and Iraq specifically. Indonesia will fight with all our might to get the best results," he added.

However, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are both considered stronger than Indonesia. In the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, Indonesia lost both matches against Iraq with scores of 1-5 and 0-2.

Indonesia had a better record against Saudi Arabia in the third qualifying round, drawing 1-1 in the first leg and winning 2-0 in the second. However, things will be different in the fourth qualifying round, and they will be playing at home.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-kluivert-noi-gi-khi-tuyen-indonesia-cham-tran-saudi-arabia-iraq-20250717170955657.htm