Saudi Arabia’s Feras Al-Brikan hits double in comeback win over Indonesia

JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia fought back to earn a 3-2 win over Indonesia in Group B of Asia’s World Cup fourth-round qualifiers on Oct 8, as Feras Al-Brikan’s double boosted their hopes of securing a place at the 2026 Finals in North America.

Kevin Diks had put Indonesia ahead from the spot in the 11th minute at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. But Saleh Abu Al-Shamat levelled six minutes later before Al-Brikan scored either side of half-time to secure the points, despite a second Diks penalty two minutes from time.

“It was not a good start, but our reaction was very good,” said Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard. “In one part of the game we are leading 3-1 with some more opportunities and we should score more. We should kill the game.

“At the end we conceded a second penalty and we were under pressure, but it was our fault to be under pressure because we were supposed to do the job before.”

Saudi Arabia next face Iraq in Jeddah on Oct 14 and know that a win over Graham Arnold’s side will guarantee their place in December's draw for the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Indonesia and Iraq will meet earlier on Oct 11.

Said Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert: “The difference was small. Saudi Arabia were indeed advantaged as they played at home, but overall we could match their game...

“This result is very disappointing, but my players fought like lions. I am proud of their efforts.

“We started the match quite well, but after leading 1-0, we lost momentum. We didn’t guard the spaces between the lines well, so the opposing wingers could exploit the gaps and press our defence.”

He added: “I am not the type of coach who hides behind excuses. Yes, the foreign players only arrived yesterday and that is not an ideal situation, but we have to accept it.”

The Indonesians went in front when Hassan Al-Tambakti stuck out an arm in the box, allowing Diks to score from the spot.

But the lead was to last only six minutes, as Al-Shamat eqaualised via a right-foot strike from the edge of the area.

Al-Brikan then took centre stage, scoring a penalty in the 36th minute followed by a clinical close-range finish in the 62nd. But Diks once again netted from the spot, before Mohamed Kanno’s injury-time red card made for a nervous finish for Renard’s side.

Earlier on Oct 8, in Group A, Qatar could not find a way past Oman in a 0-0 draw at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Julen Lopetegui’s men threatened only on occasion through two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif.

The result tips the balance in the United Arab Emirates’ favour. They face Oman on Oct 11 before meeting Qatar three days later.

With six teams competing in two groups over a week, the winners of each pool qualify for the Finals.

The runners-up from each group will meet in a two-legged tie in November, with the winners going into a six-team intercontinental play-off next March.

Six of Asia’s eight guaranteed World Cup berths have already been filled by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan and Uzbekistan. REUTERS, AFP