World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 19, 2024 at 12am UK

Indonesiavs.Saudi Arabia

Match preview

Indonesia went into the third round of AFC qualifying with the goal of securing just their second-ever qualification to a FIFA World Cup. Their last appearance in the tournament was in 1938, when they were still known as the Dutch East Indies.

There's been a lot of new talent joining the national team recently, many of them with Dutch roots. Players like Kevin Diks, Eliano Reijnders, and Mees Hilgers are giving the team a boost in their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Indonesia have still had a tough start to the tournament, losing two and drawing three of their opening five Group C fixtures. This has left them bottom of the table, three points behind fourth-placed China.

Shin Tae-yong drew their first three Group C games: 1-1 with Saudi Arabia, 0-0 with Australia and 2-2 with Bahrain. They've since had two back-to-back defeats: 2-1 to China and 4-0 to Japan.

They're now looking for their first win to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia will be aiming to beat Saudi Arabia, who they've failed to beat in their last four encounters, with two losses and two draws.

Saudi Arabia are looking to secure their place at the World Cup for the seventh time. They've previously featured in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022.

They got off to a strong start in the group, drawing 1-1 with Indonesia and beating China 2-1, but they've since lost one and drawn two of their next three matches.

The Arabian Falcons have failed to score in all three matches since they last secured a victory. This has led to the dismissal of former manager Roberto Mancini and the return of Herve Renard as the new boss.

Renard, who has the most wins for Saudi Arabia of any foreign manager, led the team to a 0-0 draw against Australia last time out. He'll be aiming to get the side back to winning ways against struggling Indonesia on Tuesday.

Recent Performance

Indonesia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDDDLL

Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:LDWLDD

Team News

Diks made his debut for Indonesia in their 4-0 loss to Japan, but he was taken off before half-time due to an injury. That means Sandy Walsh may come into the side in his place here.

Jordi Amat, who is the team captain, started on the bench and came on in the 76th minute of that game. However, the defender will play from the beginning in this one.

Salem Al Dawsari was out of action for Saudi Arabia in their 0-0 draw with Australia due to injury, so it looks like he'll be out of action again for this match. Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri and Marwan Alsahafi are likely to start in attack instead.

Faisal Al-Ghamdi was taken off with an injury in the 88th minute of that draw, so he might be replaced by Sultan Al-Ghannam in this one.

Possible starting lineup

Indonesia possible starting lineup:

Paes; Walsh, Ridho, Idzes, Amat, Verdonk; Sayuri, Haye, Ferdinan, Struick; Oratmangoen

Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:

Al-Kassar; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Albulayhi, Al-Shahrani; Alsahafi, Juwayr, Al-Ghannam, Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan; Al-Shehri