Zidane Iqbal Lifts Iraq to Crucial World Cup Qualifying Win Over Indonesia Amid Late Drama in Jeddah

JEDDAH — In the sticky autumn air at King Abdullah Sports City, Iraq’s World Cup qualification hopes surged forward on a second-half strike from Zidane Iqbal, whose nerveless finish in the 76th minute separated two sides with diverging ambitions and recent fortunes. The 1-0 victory over Indonesia was hard-earned, requiring late defensive resolve after a stoppage-time red card to Tahseen Zaid threatened to tip the scales at the contest’s most pressurized moment.

For Iraq, now riding a wave of momentum, the result extends a quietly authoritative unbeaten run that began in September. The Lions of Mesopotamia have found themselves not just collecting wins but forging a new identity—one built on patience and clinical execution, even as the margins remain thin. After edging Thailand 1-0 in the King’s Cup thanks to a second-half breakthrough, and overcoming Hong Kong with a late flurry, Iraq have demonstrated a knack for timely goals and a growing maturity under pressure.

Entering the evening, Indonesia arrived on the back of a bruising 3-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia just three nights prior—a match that saw Kevin Diks’ brace fall agonizingly short of rescuing a result. While their 6-0 dismantling of Chinese Taipei in early September showcased attacking promise, Indonesia’s more recent scoreless stalemate with Lebanon and their inability to find the net tonight are emblematic of a side still searching for consistency on Asian football’s biggest stage.

The match unfolded with a measured, almost chess-like tempo. A crowd eager for adventure saw both sides probe cautiously through the first hour, mindful of what a misstep might mean in a qualifying campaign where every point is precious. Indonesia, opting for compactness after their prior defensive lapses, ceded the initiative, daring Iraq to break them down. The Lions obliged, steadily upping the tempo as the match wore on.

It was in the 76th minute—after a spell of sustained Iraqi pressure—that the breakthrough arrived. Zidane Iqbal, who has steadily grown into the visionary heartbeat of this Iraq midfield, found himself in open space at the edge of the box. Receiving a square pass, he deftly took one touch to set himself before arrowing a low shot inside the far post. Lee, the Indonesian goalkeeper, flung himself in vain; the net rippled, and the stadium erupted.

The goal’s significance extends beyond mere points. In a qualifying group that remains congested at the top, this single moment offered Iraq breathing room and momentum, while plunging Indonesia further into the depths of uncertainty. The visitors tried to rally, throwing numbers forward as the minutes ticked away, but Iraq’s defense, marshaled by captain Ali Adnan, repelled wave after wave.

Yet if Iqbal wore the hero’s mantle, late drama nearly saw him upstaged at the other end. As the match entered added time, a clumsy challenge by Tahseen Zaid in midfield drew a straight red card. With 10 men, Iraq hunkered down for a frantic finale, forced to defend set pieces and scramble clearances. Indonesia pressed, searching desperately for an equalizer, but the final whistle arrived before any late heroics could materialize.

In the broader context, Iraq’s win tonight keeps them firmly in the conversation for an automatic berth, their recent streak building confidence as the qualification campaign gathers pace. With three consecutive wins, Iraq’s trajectory is unmistakably upward—the hallmark of a side rediscovering the pedigree that once made it a regional force.

For Indonesia, reflection will be sobering. The defeat compounds a worrying trend: one point from their last three competitive fixtures and mounting pressure on both their defensive structure and attacking innovation. A strong start to the autumn is now just a memory, as questions swirl about the tactical balance and mental resilience needed for the road ahead.

Head-to-head, Iraq’s recent dominance over Indonesia continues. The history between these two nations, especially in competitive fixtures, skews heavily in Iraq’s favor—a psychological edge that was only amplified by tonight’s events.

As qualification resumes, the stakes grow sharper. Iraq, having weathered both Indonesian resistance and the perils of late indiscipline, now look ahead with expectation and belief. For Indonesia, the path forward is steeper: upcoming matches will demand sharper focus, tactical clarity, and—above all—a response in front of goal if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

In a campaign where each match can redefine a nation’s trajectory, tonight belonged to Iraq—a team whose recent form, cohesion, and a moment of Iqbal brilliance have set the stage for a compelling autumn in Asian football’s road to the world stage.