Mancini's Disappointment After Saudi Arabia Draw Against The Indonesian National Team

Saudi Arabia only drew 1-1 against the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@saudint).

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's coach, Roberto Mancini, could not hide his disappointment after accompanying the team in the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round. When facing the Indonesian national team, Saudi Arabia was only able to draw 1-1.

The meeting between Saudi Arabia and the Indonesian national team took place at the King Abdullah Stadium, Jeddah, on Friday, September 6, 2024, early morning WIB. With the status of being the host, The Green Falcon actually looks difficult in taking advantage of the opportunities that exist.

Evidently, the Indonesian national team opened the goal in the 19th minute. Saudi Arabia was even able to equalize in the 45+3 minute and did not change until the match was over.

Quoted from the Sauri Arabian media, Arryadiyah, the coach apparently explained that the problem in the final settlement was indeed an obstacle for his team in the last few matches.

"We have had problems taking advantage of opportunities, which we have clearly faced in recent matches. However, we are not only using the results as a benchmark for our performance," Mancini was quoted as saying on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Regarding this problem, Mancini also emphasized the importance of participating in national players at their clubs as core players. According to him, many of his players do not get enough playing time at their respective clubs.

"Saudi Arabia's national team players must participate as core players with their clubs. I have 20 players sitting on the bench in local matches and there is no solution to this dilemma," said the Italian coach.

Mancini added that the solution to the problem that occurred was to increase cooperation between national teams and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

"We just need to intensify cooperation with them," he said.

With a draw in this inaugural match, Saudi Arabia clearly has quite a tough homework ahead of their next qualifying match.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team received a moral boost after securing important points at home to opponents.