2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Indonesia Loses 2-3 to Saudi Arabia

October 9, 2025 | 10:36 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian national team suffered a defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia in the first match of the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualification in the Asian zone. The match, which took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on early Thursday, October 9, 2025, ended with a score of 2-3 in favor of the Green Falcons.

Indonesia initially took the lead through a penalty goal by Kevin Diks in the 11th minute. However, the lead did not last long. Saudi Arabia equalized with a goal from Abu Al Shamat in the 17th minute and two goals from Firas Al Buraikan in the 34th and 62nd minutes. Diks narrowed the lead for Indonesia with another penalty in the 89th minute.

Match Overview

Indonesia's national team coach, Patrick Kluivert, played with a 4-2-3-1 formation. In the goalkeeper position, he fielded Maarten Paes. In the backline, four defenders, including Kevin Diks, Jay Idzes, Dean James, and Yakob Sayuri, were the primary choices.

Kluivert deployed two defensive midfielders, Joey Pelupessy and Marc Klok, to support the attacking midfielder Ricky Kambuaya. Upfront, Ragnar Oratmangoen was the main choice and would be supported from the wings by Beckham Putra and Miliano Jonathans.

In the Saudi camp, coach Herve Renard relied on Salem Al-Dawsari as the captain and main striker. The experienced player who appeared in the 2022 World Cup would lead the attack alongside Feras Al-Buraikan and Saleh Al-Shehri in the front line. In the backline, the duo of Hassan Al-Tambakti and Jehad Thikrhi were trusted to guard the goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

In the 5th minute, Indonesia had a chance to capitalize on a free-kick from Dean James. Kevin Diks attempted to reach it, but was obstructed by a Saudi defender, resulting in a penalty following VAR review. Referee Ahmad Al Ali from Kuwait deemed that Hassan Al-Tambakti had touched the ball. Diks successfully converted the penalty into a goal. Score: 1-0.

Indonesia's lead did not last long. Starting from a mistake by Marc Klok in the 16th minute, Saleh Abu Al Shamat made an individual play before taking a shot from outside the penalty box. His shot eluded Maarten Paes.

Indonesia was under pressure after Al Shamat's goal. The wide gap between the lines of the Garuda squad gave the Green Falcons players freedom to move the ball. In the 23rd minute, Abdurahman Boushal made a run into the penalty box. Fortunately, Maarten Paes managed to deflect his powerful shot.

In the 34th minute, Saudi Arabia took the lead through a penalty goal by Firas Al-Buraikan. Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty after Yakob Sayuri pulled the opponent's jersey inside the forbidden box. The score was 2-1 in favor of Saudi Arabia. Indonesia struggled to match Saudi Arabia's domination. Statistics showed that Indonesia only controlled 42 percent of the ball and created only one clear chance.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia created seven opportunities, four of which posed threats to Maarten Paes. The score remained 2-1 until halftime.

Second Half

Patrick Kluivert made changes in the second half. He brought in Eliano Reijnders to replace Beckham Putra. However, the change did not relieve the pressure on Indonesia. In the 56th minute, Maarten Paes was forced to make a save from Al Buraikan's attempt.

After 60 minutes, Saudi Arabia was superior in their playstyle. They played tighter, and Indonesia failed to match it. The situation led to the third goal in the 62nd minute. Al Buraikan, unmarked on the right side, pounced on the rebound from Musab Al Juwayr's shot. The score was 3-1 in favor of Saudi Arabia.

Kluivert made substitutions after falling behind by two goals. He introduced Ole Romeny and Thom Haye and took out Miliano and Ragnar. In the 74th minute, the change almost paid off after Ole met a corner kick. Unfortunately, Ole's header went over.

A minute later, Salem Al Dawsari received a breakthrough pass inside the penalty box. Maarten Paes made a crucial block on his shot.

Indonesia had two chances through Ole Romeny's shots in the 80th minute. However, Nawaf Al-Aqidi managed to catch the ball. Four minutes later, Thom Haye's free-kick was also saved.

Indonesia narrowed the deficit through Kevin Diks' penalty in the 89th minute. The referee awarded the penalty after judging that Nawaf Al Aqidi touched the ball while facing pressure from Ole Romeny. The score was 2-3, and Indonesia was still behind.

Saudi Arabia had to play with 10 men after Mohamed Kanno received a second yellow card. The referee deemed that he was time-wasting and indulging in excessive protests. Indonesia pressed for an equalizer, but until the nine minutes of injury time, no additional goal was scored. Saudi Arabia won 3-2 against Indonesia.

Editor's Choice: Why Indonesia Should Beware Saudi Arabia's Set Pieces Under Nicolas Jover

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