New Delhi:
Indonesia have upset Saudi Arabia with a 2-0 victory 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, helped Indonesia to gain a win on Tuesday for the South East nation, which last appeared at the World Cup in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies.
Saudi gets Humbled
It was Indonesia’s first win in the history of their participation in the third round of qualification and moves them on level points with their Arab opponents and China. “I am so proud of my team and the country,” goalkeeper Maarten Peas said. “Marselino scored two great goals, and we defended 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.
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“Indonesia deserved to win this game,” Saudi coach Herve Renard said. “We have four games left, and it will be tough, but it will be tough for everybody. ”
Japan are within touching distance of an eighth successive World Cup appearance after beating China 3-1 to put the team 10 points clear at the top pf Group C.
The Samurai Blue have 16 points from six games with four to go in group C. Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and China all have six points, as does Australia, which could move three points clear in second with a win at last-placed Bahrain on Tuesday.
