The number one in the three-way match between Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Iraq qualifies directly for the World Cup, the number two will play a play-off against the number two of the other group, which will be played in Qatar, and the World Cup dream is over for the number three.
Dreaming of the World Cup: this is how Curaçao (Dick Advocaat), Indonesia (Patrick Kluivert) and Suriname (Stanley Menzo) can qualify
Saudi Arabia was considered to be the huge favorite in advance and also has the home advantage and the advantage of more rest between the two matches. Indonesia’s second match against Iraq is already scheduled for Saturday, while Saudi Arabia does not have to play again for another six days. The rich oil country, which will host the World Cup in 2034, is a powerful player in the Asian zone and this is evident from things like this.
Eight players with Dutch roots
Kluivert had chosen eight players in his starting line-up, who grew up in the Netherlands and have their roots in Indonesia, allowing them to play for the country of their grandfather or grandmother. On goal was former FC Utrecht goalkeeper Maarten Paes (FC Dallas), captain Jay Idzes (Sassuolo) played centrally at the back with Kevin Diks (Borussia Mönchengladbach). And Go Ahead Eagles player Dean James was the left back.
In midfield there were starting places for Marc Klok (PERSIB Bandung), who has been playing football in Indonesia since 2017, and Joey Pelupessy (SK Lommel). At the front were Miliano Jonathans (FC Utrecht) and Ragnar Oratmangoen (FCV Dender).
Kickstart Indonesia
Indonesia got off to a kick start. After a foul on Jonathans, James’ free kick was followed by Hassan Al Tambakti. The referee missed that, but the VAR did not and after viewing the images the ball hit the spot. Diks used the penalty convincingly.
The stadium in Jeddah with a capacity of more than 63,000 was packed with a striking number of Indonesians dressed in red. The country is completely football crazy and the recent successes with naturalized Dutch players have given the enthusiasm an extra boost. Indonesia never took part in the World Cup as an independent country. However, the predecessor from the colonial era, the Dutch East Indies, was present at the World Cup in 1938.
Patrick Kluivert faces crucial World Cup qualification: ‘Disappointment will be enormous if Indonesia has to miss the World Cup’
In Jeddah, Indonesia (number 119 in the FIFA rankings) was unable to continue its good start against number 59 Saudi Arabia. The home team dominated the match and quickly came alongside. Goalkeeper Paes was beaten by a shot from Saleh Abu Al-Shamat from the edge of sixteen (1-1). Even before half time it became 2-1 for Saudi Arabia. After VAR intervention, the ball went to the spot for shirt pulling and Firas Al-Buraikan took advantage of the opportunity.
Odds Ole Romeny
With Eliano Reijnders replacing Beckham Putrah, a player from PERSIB Bandung, who had turned out to be completely invisible, Indonesia went in search of the equalizer. But it was Firas Al-Buraikan who scored again, after Paes had given away a rebound. Kluivert brought Ole Romeny, who has just recovered from an ankle injury, and Thom Haye into the team, significantly increasing Indonesia’s offensive strength. After Romeny missed two good headed chances and Haye had made the Saudi goalkeeper work with a dangerous free kick, Indonesia managed to reduce the deficit, again from a penalty. The VAR alerted the referee to a handball by a Saudi defender in a duel with Romeny. Diks showed himself cool again: 3-2.
That was an important goal, because goal difference also plays a role in the mini-tournament and that could be the deciding factor in the battle for second place if first position were too high for Indonesia. And so Kluivert & Co can continue to dream of the World Cup after this defeat.