World Cup Qualifiers: Iraq Coach Tells Players to Focus on Indonesia
Iraq coach Graham Arnold tells players to focus on Saturday's match against Indonesia, ignoring Tuesday's game against Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifiers.
“The first few days together was making sure that we are mentally prepared ourselves and we don't think about the end of the two games...”
Iraq coach Graham Arnold is taking a cautious approach, urging his players to focus solely on Saturday's match against Indonesia and not look ahead to Tuesday's game against Saudi Arabia. This mindset is crucial as Iraq seeks to make its first World Cup appearance since 1986.
The stakes are high in the fourth phase of Asia's World Cup preliminaries, where the winners of the three-team group will secure a direct spot in next year's finals. Iraq's matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will be pivotal in determining their fate, with Arnold emphasizing the importance of taking things one game at a time.
“I've had a lot of experience in these type of games,” said Arnold, who led Australia through a series of playoffs to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. “The most important thing is one step at a time.
“The first few days together was making sure that we are mentally prepared ourselves and we don't think about the end of the two games, we think about one game at a time and we are fully focused only on Indonesia.
“At the moment there is no second game, it's just Indonesia and getting the result that we will get.”
Iraq have a 100% win record against Indonesia in their last three encounters spanning two years. However, the Indonesian team has undergone significant changes since their last meeting in June 2024, presenting a new challenge for Iraq.
“World Cup qualifiers are very important and it seems like we've been waiting a long time,” said Arnold, who replaced Jesus Casas as head coach in May.
“But we're all ready to go now.
“I think if I have to give the team a rating out of 10 then we're a 10. Discipline from the boys has never been an issue for me, they've been fantastic. 100 percent.
“The biggest positive for me has been that all the players are playing a lot of football at their clubs. If I compare their fitness levels to four months ago when I first started this job they look completely different players.”
🇮🇶 Graham Arnold was in a smiling and confident mood ahead of Iraq's opening game with Indonesia tonight.
— The Asian Game (@TheAsianGame) October 11, 2025
Who will get the last laugh?#AsianQualifiers pic.twitter.com/N4WZt7up4h
The influx of overseas-born talent, including captain Jay Idzes and defender Kevin Diks, has significantly altered the Indonesian squad, setting it apart from the team that previously suffered losses to Iraq. With a fresh dynamic, Indonesia aims to turn the tide in their favor.
Indonesia's recent 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday has heightened the stakes, with the team now needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. This crucial match against Iraq will test Indonesia's resolve and tactical prowess.
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