RI drawn in tough group in WC qualifier

The Indonesian national soccer team has been drawn in a group with Iran, Qatar, and Bahrain in the third phase of the World Cup qualifier.

Iran, coached by Carlos Queiroz, the former coach of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese side in the 2010 World Cup, is favored to win the group.

Indonesian assistant coach Aji Santoso said Iran and Qatar were the favorites to advance from the group.

He said Iran had experience in the World Cup and its players were taller than the Indonesians, while Qatar was on a high after being chosen to host the 2022 World Cup.

Indonesia beat Turkmenistan 5-4 on aggregate to advance to this round.