Jokowi Appreciates Garuda Team's Struggle Against Iraq in Asian Cup
- AP Photo/Hussein Sayed
Qatar – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appreciates the struggle of the Indonesian national football team players when they competed against the Iraqi national team at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, in Qatar on Monday.
Eventough Indonesia has suffered a defeat 1-3 to Iraq, President Jokowi assessed that the Indonesian national team had performed well.
"I saw yesterday that they played very well but yes the ball is round, sometimes you win, then you can also lose. It's normal in the football game," the Head of State said in a statement on Wednesday.
The President also appreciated the Indonesian national team which consist of many young players, so it's good for the medium to long term.
Timnas Indonesia vs Irak
- REUTERS/IBRAHEEM AL OMARI
In the match against Iraq at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Monday, the Indonesian national team had to concede defeat with a score of 1-3. Iraq took the lead with a goal scored by Mohamad Ali in the 17th minute.
The Garuda team managed to equalize after Marselino Ferdinan scored a goal against Iraq in the 36th minute. However, Iraq regained the lead after Oshama Rashid scored a goal at the end of the first half.
In the second half, Iraq extended their lead through a goal by Aymen Hussein in the 75th minute. The score of 3-1 in favor of Iraq remained until the referee blew the final whistle.
With this result, Indonesia temporarily sits in fourth place in the Group D standings. Indonesia will face Vietnam in the next match.
