Indonesia hold Saudi Arabia to surprise draw at World Cup qualifiers

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup third qualifying round saw Japan thrashing China 7-0, while Australia suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat to Bahrain.

Coach Shin Tae-yong and Indonesia also wanted to do the same as Bahrain, as they aimed to get at least one point against Saudi Arabia.

At King Abdullah Sports City, Indonesia fielded a squad of nine naturalized players. The addition of newly naturalized goalkeeper Maarten Paes contributed significantly to the draw against Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia created a surprise in the 19th minute. Ragnar Oratmagoen received a return pass in the penalty area, dribbled with his right foot and shot with his left. The ball hit Sandy Walsh and changed direction, leaving goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais no chance.

In the 29th minute, Mohammed Kanno won the ball from Thom Haye, then passed it to Radif, before shooting off the post.

The pressure that Saudi Arabia created was rewarded in the third minute of injury time in the first half. Kanno ran into the penalty area from the left flank, then passed the ball to Musab Al-Juwayr. The 21-year-old midfielder born in 2003 made a fake shot before finishing with his right foot, which hit Calvin Verdonk and changed direction, leveling the score for Saudi Arabia before the break.

Ragnar Oratmagoen (number 11) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Indonesia in a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup on Sept. 5, 2024. Photo by PSSI

In the second half, Saudi Arabia still maintained domination, with 66% possession, 18 shots (four on target), but lacking the accuracy to get the goals. In the 77th minute Paes fouled Feras Al-Brikan in the box and a penalty was given to Saudi Arabia. But on the spot, the 26-year-old goalkeeper blocked Salem Al Dawsari's shot into the bottom right.

In the 88th minute, Paes continued to block a long-range shot from 28 m by Kanno. In the third minute of injury time, the rookie keeper played the hero again, when he blocked Al Brikan's shot in a one-on-one situation, protecting the 1-1 draw for Indonesia.

This was Indonesia's first draw against Saudi Arabia in an official tournament, after a 0-0 friendly in 2011 and 11 defeats. This draw is considered a great achievement for Shin Tae-yong's team in their first time at the third round of World Cup qualifiers. Indonesia are fourth, with the same number of points as Saudi Arabia. Japan lead with three points like Bahrain, but has a superior goal difference.

In the second match on Sept. 10, Indonesia will return to their home ground Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to face Australia.