DRAGONSLOT – The Indonesian national team achieved a historic 1-1 draw against hosts Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at King Abdullah Sports City on Thursday (5/9), or early Friday morning WIB. This remarkable result marks the first time in 41 years that Indonesia has earned a point in a competitive match against the Green Falcons.
The last time the Red and White squad went unbeaten against Saudi Arabia was in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Qualifiers on October 6, 1983, in Indonesia, where the match also ended in a 1-1 draw. Over the years, Indonesia had faced Saudi Arabia several times in friendly matches, with two draws in 1997 and 2011. However, those matches were played in Indonesia, and this is the first time the Garuda squad has secured a point on Saudi soil.
Despite the significant ranking difference between the two teams, with Indonesia placed 77 spots lower than the Saudi Arabian team, Indonesia showed remarkable resilience and skill. The match began with a stunning performance from the Indonesian team, which took the lead in the 19th minute. A shot by Ragnar Oratmangoen, deflected by Sandy Walsh, put Indonesia ahead, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. The early goal showed Indonesia’s ability to take on one of Asia’s top teams, and it set the tone for a thrilling encounter.
However, Saudi Arabia quickly responded, leveling the score just before halftime. In injury time during the first half, Musab Al Juwayr found the back of the net, bringing the game to a 1-1 draw. Despite Saudi Arabia’s pressure in the second half, Indonesia’s defense, led by goalkeeper Maarten Paes, held strong. Paes was the standout performer of the match, making several crucial saves to deny the Green Falcons a winning goal. His most significant contribution came when he saved a penalty from Saudi Arabia’s captain, Salem Al-Dawsari, in the second half. Paes also made two key stops in the dying minutes, ensuring that Indonesia walked away with a hard-earned point.
Following the match, Indonesia’s head coach, Shin Tae-yong, praised his team’s preparation and determination. Although he acknowledged Roberto Mancini’s experience and tactics, Shin emphasized his own extensive knowledge of both Saudi players and the Saudi Pro League. “Mancini is a great coach who varies his methods in matches, but I have enough experience with the players’ capabilities and the Saudi League,” Shin said in an interview with Ar Riyadiyah.
Shin also expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly given the challenges they faced. “We knew it would be a tough match playing away against Saudi Arabia, but the players showed great character and skill. We were well-prepared, and we knew exactly what to expect from Saudi Arabia,” Shin continued. “This draw is a testament to our hard work and determination. It shows that we can compete with the best in Asia.”
The draw against Saudi Arabia is a significant milestone for Indonesian football, signaling the team’s potential to challenge more established teams in the qualifiers. The historic result also strengthens Indonesia’s belief in their ability to make a lasting impact in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Next, Indonesia will face Australia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/9). This upcoming match will be another critical test for Indonesia as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification. With the team’s impressive performance against Saudi Arabia, Indonesian fans are hopeful that the Garuda team can continue to build on their momentum and secure another positive result.
As the qualification campaign progresses, the Indonesian team’s resilience and teamwork will be crucial in their bid for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Maarten Paes in goal, the defense remains solid, and the attack, led by Oratmangoen, has shown it can break through even the toughest defenses. If they maintain this level of performance, Indonesia will undoubtedly remain a team to watch in the coming months.