Indonesia shock Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifier
Al Jazeera
Indonesia record an upset against Saudi Arabia with their first win in the group stage of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Indonesia have shocked Saudi Arabia with a 2-0 win in Jakarta in Group C of the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
A goal in each half from Marselino Ferdinan, who plays for Oxford United in England’s second tier, nailed down a victory on Tuesday for the Southeast Asian nation, which last appeared at the World Cup in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies.
It was Indonesia’s first win in the history of their participation in the third round of qualification and moves them level on points with their Arab opponents and China.
“I am so proud of my team and the country,” goalkeeper Maarten Paes said. “Marselino scored two great goals, and we defended so well. We knew that this was an important game, and to get a win, that gives us so much confidence. It is so close in our group.”
The game became fractious late on with the home side reduced to 10 men when Justin Hubner was shown a second yellow card for an off-the-ball incident while Saudi Arabia rattled the bar through Mohamed Kanno.
