Indonesia's Chances of Qualifying for the World Cup are Slim After a 2-3 Defeat to Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH, KOMPAS — Indonesia must acknowledge the superiority of the host, Saudi Arabia, with a score of 2-3, in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualification match at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Thursday (9/10/2025) early morning WIB. As a result of this defeat, Indonesia's ambition to secure a ticket to the World Cup has become increasingly difficult. Indonesia needs a victory in the second match against Iraq to open up the opportunity to qualify or advance to the fifth round.

Facing the hosts' onslaught, Indonesia took the lead through Kevin Diks' penalty in the 11th minute. The penalty was awarded by referee Ahmed Al-Ali following a video review (VAR) for a possible handball by Hassan Al-Tambakti.

In the replay, Jay Idzes' header striking Al-Tambakti's hand is clearly visible, prompting the referee to immediately point to the penalty spot. Diks, who was assigned to execute the penalty, successfully fulfilled his duty by defeating goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

The host team that was trailing attempted to confine the defense of Indonesia, commanded by Idzes. It did not take long for Saudi Arabia to equalize just six minutes after conceding a surprising goal from Diks.

The equalizing goal was scored by Abu Al-Shamat, who successfully found the net against Maarten Paes, capitalizing on a pass from Musab Al-Juwayr. Following that goal, the hosts continued to attack, putting pressure on Indonesia's defensive line.

Several times, Paes was forced to make brilliant saves, one of which was through a kick from Al-Boushail in the 24th minute. Al-Smamat then threatened Indonesia's goal again in the 30th minute. His shot had already evaded Paes, but the ball still hit the crossbar.

A disaster for Indonesia finally occurred in the 33rd minute. The incident in the penalty area involving Yakob Sayuri and Firas Al Buraikan forced referee Al-Ali to go to the VAR monitor to review it.

After a while, the referee from Kuwait awarded a penalty to the home team. The referee deemed that Sayuri had fouled Al-Buraikan by pulling the jersey of the home player.

Al-Buraikan, who was in charge of executing the penalty, successfully defeated Paes. The score was then reversed, with Indonesia trailing Saudi Arabia 2-1.

Saudi Arabia nearly scored a third goal in the 40th minute. Al-Shamat truly became a threat that troubled Indonesia's defense line. The home striker managed to evade the Indonesian defender, resulting in a one-on-one situation with Paes, who fortunately was still able to secure his goal.

Entering the final minutes of the first half, Indonesia had the opportunity to equalize through Marc Klok. Unfortunately, Klok's shot went wide of Al-Aqidi's goal.

Entering the second half, the hosts continued to pound the Indonesian defense. They came close to scoring a third goal again in the 57th minute.

Paes's outstanding performance is one of the reasons why Indonesia's goal has only been breached twice. The goalkeeper, who plays for FC Dallas in the United States, demonstrated extraordinary reflexes to deflect Al-Buraikan's header.

The goal that the home supporters had been waiting for finally came in the 62nd minute. The relentless attacks launched by the home team's forwards could not be contained. Saudi Arabia managed to extend their lead through a shot by Al-Buraikan, capitalizing on the rebound from Al-Juwayr's shot that was blocked by Paes.

Trailing 1-3, Indonesia struggled to break through the defense due to the pressure from the host team. To sharpen the attacking line, Indonesia's coach Patrick Kluivert then brought in striker Ole Romeny in the 64th minute, replacing Ragnar Oratmangoen. Kluivert also substituted Thom Haye for Miliano Jonathans to strengthen the midfield.

However, the home team's defense remained too difficult for the Indonesian attackers to penetrate. Indonesia finally managed to reduce the deficit to 2-3, once again through a penalty kick converted by Diks in the 88th minute.

The third penalty in this match occurred after a handball committed by Al-Boushail. Referee Al-Ali, whose appointment to officiate this match was previously protested by the Indonesian side, pointed to the penalty spot after conducting a video review.

The goal at the end of normal time revived Indonesia's hopes of at least securing a draw. Moreover, the officials provided a substantial amount of additional time, extending up to nine minutes.