World Cup Qualifiers: Saudi Arabia Beats Indonesia 3-2
Saudi Arabia secures a 3-2 win over Indonesia in a thrilling World Cup qualifier, despite a late penalty goal from Kevin Diks.
Indonesia's late kick-and-rush football amounted to nothing, sending Merah Putih home with everything to fight for...
Saudi Arabia secured a crucial 3-2 win over Indonesia in a heated FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Jeddah. Despite being reduced to ten men after Mohammed Kanno's red card, the Green Falcons held on to their lead. Indonesia's team, led by coach Patrick Kluivert, put up a fierce fight but ultimately fell short.
Indonesia dominated the early stages of the game and earned a penalty in the 10th minute after a thorough VAR review. Kevin Diks, the Borussia Monchengladbach right-back, confidently took responsibility and scored the penalty, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Indonesia an early 1-0 lead.
However, Saudi Arabia wasted no time in responding. Just seven minutes later, Saleh Abu Al Shamat struck a stunning goal from distance, beating Maarten Paes in the bottom corner and leveling the score at 1-1. The match was heating up, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
In the end, Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, winning the game 3-2. After Diks scored his second penalty of the game in the 88th minute, Firas Al-Buraikan sealed the win for Saudi Arabia with a goal in the 62nd minute, while Saleh Abu Al Shamat had earlier scored for the Green Falcons. Indonesia's scorers were Kevin Diks (2 penalties) for Indonesia.
Nawaf Mashari Abdulrahman Boushal's shot was denied by Paes, and Al Shamat's effort hit the crossbar. However, Saudi Arabia's persistence paid off when Firas Al-Buraikan was fouled by Yakob Sayuri in the box. The VAR intervened, and the referee pointed to the spot. Al-Buraikan stepped up, converting the penalty despite a strong save attempt by Paes, giving Saudi Arabia a 2-1 lead in the 33rd minute.
The second half saw Paes make a crucial save on a header from Firas Al-Buraikan. However, the Saudi striker got another chance when Paes parried the ball, and Al-Buraikan capitalized with a well-taken shot, scoring his second goal of the match. As the game neared its climax, Saudi Arabia seemed to relax, allowing Indonesia to create opportunities.
Indonesia's substitutes, Ole Romeny and Thom Haye, had chances to score, but their efforts lacked accuracy. The match's drama intensified when the referee awarded Indonesia a penalty after Nawaf Boushal punched the ball away in the box. Kevin Diks took the penalty and scored his second goal of the match, reducing the deficit to 3-2 for Indonesia in the 88th minute.
🎯 @KevinDiks_ from the spot! ⚽️
— Timnas Indonesia (@TimnasIndonesia) October 8, 2025
‣ #TimnasDay pic.twitter.com/Fg5l36BKS7
Saudi Arabia were reduced to ten men by Al-Ali, who showed substitute Mohamed Kanno two rapid yellow cards for time-wasting and protesting, sending the unofficial hosts into the final minutes a man down.
Indonesia's late kick-and-rush football amounted to nothing, sending Merah Putih home with everything to fight for. Indonesia continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying fight on Saturday against Iraq, whereas Saudi Arabia will take on Iraq on Tuesday, October 14th.
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