Indonesia lose to Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifiers despite getting two penalties

Both teams, which finished third and fourth in Group C of the third qualifying round, faced off again in the race for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia entered the match with confidence after drawing 1-1 and winning 2-0 against Saudi Arabia in the two legs of the previous round.

Coach Patrick Kluivert also boasted a squad with several players who are competing in Europe, but injuries to goalkeeper Emil Audero and left-back Calvin Verdonk left gaps in the lineup.

Saudi Arabia, under coach Herve Renard, have gradually regained their form and have a home advantage. Their preparation included participation in the Gold Cup (for North and Central American teams) in June and a training trip in Europe in September, highlighted by a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. The team featured many young players who had not previously seen much international action.

Indonesia's lineup saw a few surprises. With Marselino Ferdinan missing from the squad, Kluivert gave Beckham Putra and Marc Klok starting spots, along with 21-year-old striker Miliano Jonathans at the front. His trust was rewarded in the fifth minute when Jonathans was fouled by Hassan Al Tambakti, earning a free kick on the right flank.

A handball by Tambakti in the later aerial duel resulted in a penalty, and Kevin Diks successfully converted from the spot to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

Despite the early setback, Saudi Arabia responded quickly, with Saleh Abu Al Shamat scoring the equalizer in the 10th minute. The midfielder, after a neat exchange on the left, faked a turn to trick Jay Idzes before firing a left-footed shot into the right corner. The home fans erupted in celebration as Saudi Arabia leveled the score.

Saudi Arabia gained momentum after that, and in the 23rd minute, Maarten Paes had to scramble to save a shot from Nawaf Bu Washl. In the 31st minute, Al Shamat's powerful long-range effort struck the crossbar.

Indonesia's troubles deepened in the 32nd minute when Yakob Sayuri was penalized for pulling Feras Al Brikan's shirt in the box, leading to a penalty for Saudi Arabia. Initially, it appeared that star player Salem Al Dawsari would take the shot, but he gave it to Al Brikan. Al Dawsari perhaps was still not confident enough after missing a crucial penalty in the earlier 1-1 draw against Indonesia. Meanwhile, Al Brikan made no mistake when converting the penalty to put Saudi Arabia ahead.

In the second half, Indonesia brought on Eliano Reijnders for Beckham Putra, but their attack remained lackluster. Paes' talent kept them in the game, particularly in the 56th minute when he made an incredible save to deny Al Brikan's close-range header.

In the 62nd minute, Saudi Arabia extended their lead when Musab Al Juwayr struck from distance. Paes managed to block the shot, but Al Brikan was there for the rebound and made it 3-1. Saudi Arabia celebrated, while coach Kluivert showed his frustration by angrily tossing his files to the ground. Al Brikan celebrated with a calm gesture to silence the opponent.

Saudi Arabia striker Feras Al Brikan celebrates after scoring the third goal in the 3-2 win over Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at King Abdullah Stadium, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by SaudiNT

With the scoreline at 3-1, Indonesia's hopes for a comeback were sparked by Paes' impressive one-on-one save in the 85th minute, when he blocked Al Dawsari’s chip shot. In a rare turn of events, Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Bu Washl was penalized for a handball right after that. On the spot, Kevin Diks coolly converted the penalty to shorten the gap.

In the remainder of the match, the drama continued as Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Kanno was sent off for two quick yellow cards, one for time-wasting and the second for reacting to the referee's decision. The Indonesian fans, still hopeful, cheered for a late equalizer, but time ran out, and the match ended 3-2 in favor of Saudi Arabia.

For coach Herve Renard and Saudi Arabia, it was a step closer to their goal, having secured a crucial victory. Indonesia must beat Iraq on Oct. 12 to keep their hopes of playing the 2026 World Cup alive.

 

 

Indonesia lose to Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifiers despite getting two penalties

Saudi Arab 3-2 Indonesia