Saudis complete job despite Indonesian pressure

Saudi Arabia fought back to earn a 3-2 win over Indonesia in Group B of Asia’s World Cup fourth-round qualifiers on Oct 8, as Feras Al-Brikan’s double boosted their hopes of securing a place at the 2026 Finals in North America.

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Kevin Diks had put Indonesia ahead from the spot in the Uth minute at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. But Saleh Abu Al-Shamat levelled six minutes later before Al-Brikan scored either side of halftime to secure the points, despite a second Diks penalty two minutes from time.

“It was not a good start, but our reaction was very good,” said Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard. “In one part of the game we are leading 3-1with some more opportunities and we should score more. We should kill the game.

“At the end we conceded a second penalty and we were under pressure, but it was our fault to be under pressure because we were supposed to do the job before.”