Saudi Arabia Vs Indonesia: Score 1-1 In The First Round, Garuda Had Superior First

The Indonesian national team had taken the lead against Saudi Arabia (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team started their journey in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification against Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Stadium, Jeddah, on Friday, September 6, 2024, early morning WIB.

Garuda's squad appeared confident from the start of the match. They played very disciplined to block the host's attack.

In addition, the movement without a ball plus a quick pass from a touch of Indonesian national team players is very troublesome for the Saudi Arabia's defense, which agrees with three defenders.

Several times the free movement of Ragnar Oratmangoen, Rafael Struick, Witan Sulaeman, and Sandy Walsh made serious threats of shooting on target.

Shin Tae-yong's team finally really made the host public silent through Ragnar's goal in the 19th minute.

The attack, which was built from the right side of the attack, led to a cut-back from Witan Sulaeman.

Ragnar, who received the pass, managed to control the ball and outwit two Saudi Arabian defenders. He turned around and fired a left foot shot.

His shot turned after hitting Sandy Walsh's leg and set goalkeeper Al Owais dead.

Left behind by one goal made Saudi Arabia begin to lock up Indonesia's defense area. However, they looked frustrated through the Garuda Squad's defense which played disciplined and straightforward.

Roberto Mancini's troops were really not free to hold the ball for too long because Garuda players immediately pressed after losing the ball.

Gencar pressed, finally the equalizer goal that Saudi Arabia needed was also born in injury time.

Musab Aljuwayr's kick from outside the penalty box changed course after hitting Calvin Verdok. As a result, Maarten Paes failed to secure his goal because he had already moved in the opposite direction.

The 1-1 score lasted until halftime.