Saudi Coach Herve Renard Commends Victory over Indonesia at 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

October 9, 2025 | 03:03 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Herve Renard, the head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team, expressed satisfaction with the victory over the Indonesian national team in the opening match of Group B in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Saudi Arabia secured a 3-2 win against Indonesia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah in the early hours of Thursday, October 9, 2025.

"We conceded a penalty goal early in the game, but our reaction was very good," he said after the match, as quoted by Skor.id, adding that the team "should have killed the game." 

Saudi Arabia initially fell behind due to Kevin Diks' penalty goal in the 11th minute. However, the Green Falcons displayed dominance and turned the game around with goals from Waheb Saleh in the 17th minute, Feras Albrikan's two goals in the 36th minute, and a penalty goal in the 62nd minute. Indonesia caught up through Diks' second penalty in the 88th minute.

Renard assessed that his team displayed dominance and was able to create numerous opportunities. "I can't remember a game where we created so many chances," he said.

He referred to matches in the domestic Pro League of Saudi Arabia for comparison. "You just have to look at the Al Ahly and Al Hilal match, when Al Ahly managed to come back from being three goals down. In football, sometimes concentration drops, so it's important to secure the win sooner," Renard said.

The French coach reminded his players not to become complacent. There is still a crucial match against Iraq on October 14, which will determine their chances of automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. "No one will hand us a ticket to qualify just like that. We have to fight on our own with full confidence," he stated.

Renard also mentioned the previous encounter with Indonesia in Jakarta during the third round of qualifiers. "I know the Indonesian team well. They left a bitter taste in our hearts after the home match," said the 57-year-old coach.

With this victory, Saudi Arabia currently tops Group B's standings with three points, while the Indonesian national team sits at the bottom with zero points.

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