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Indonesia revives World Cup hopes with 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia
The Indonesia national team has revived its and the country's hopes of reaching the final World Cup qualifying round next year after it thrashed Saudi Arabia 2-0 on Tuesday in a hard-fought victory.
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Indonesia defender Calvin Verdonk (center) embraces teammates Rizky Ridho Ramadhani (left) and Shayne Pattynama following their 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 19, 2024, in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifier at the Main Stadium of the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex in Jakarta. (Antara/Rivan Awal Lingga)
T
wo goals from midfielder Marselino Ferdinan brought victory to the Indonesian national soccer team on Tuesday evening in its round three Asian 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Saudi Arabia in Jakarta, keeping up hopes that the team could advance to the final round in North America next year.
Playing in front of a home crowd of more than 60,000 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Indonesia pressed the Saudi Arabian team from the opening minute for a chance at the goal.
Midfielder Ivar Jenner created an opportunity in the first minute with a through pass to Marselino, who shot the ball past Saudi keeper Ahmed Al-Kassar, only for it to bounce off the right post, followed by a Saudi nudge to put it out of play.
Another chance arrived in the fifth minute, when defender Rizky Ridho sent a long pass to Ragnar Oratmangoen. The winger attempted to score from inside the goal area, but Saudi defender Hassan Tambakti blocked the shot.
The Indonesian team kept its pressure on the Saudi players and finally reaped the fruits of its efforts in the 32nd minute. Ragnar ran along the left flank and cut the ball across to Marselino, who sent the ball home to put Indonesia in the lead with 1-0.
The Saudi side pushed for an equalizer until the end of the first half, with several missed shots and other attempts deflected by Indonesian keeper Maarten Paes.
Read also: Victory over Saudi Arabia gives Indonesia World Cup belief, says coach Shin
