AFC Asian Qualifiers
Saleh Abu Al Shammat cancelled out Kevin Diks’ 11th minute penalty before a double by Feras Al Brikan sent the Saudis on their way to victory, although the Indonesians were given hope by a second Diks spot-kick and a late red card for Mohammed Kanno
That forced Renard’s side to survive a frantic finale to take all three points to put themselves in a strong position ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Iraq as the West Asian side chase qualification for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | Group B : Indonesia 2-3 Saudi Arabia
“It was not a good start but our reaction was very good,” said the Frenchman. “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.”
Al Shammat levelled six minutes after Diks’ opener and Al Brikan struck in the 36th and 62nd minutes to put the Saudis in control of the game before a handball by Nawaf Bu Washl allowed Diks to net again from the spot in the 88th minute.
Kanno’s needless sending off for a second yellow card in stoppage time gave the Indonesians further encouragement to push for an equaliser but captain Salem Al Dawsari and his team managed to hold on to take the win.
“This evening the most important thing is the three points,” said Renard. “We are leading the group and we need to negotiate very well the second game and get the qualification for the World Cup.
“When you are head coach you can’t do anything without the players. If I’m confident it’s because they gave me this confidence. I know they are determined, they are concentrated.”
Indonesia head coach Patrick Kluivert was disappointed that his team surrendered their early lead so quickly, but refused to dwell on the loss as he looks forward to their next game against Iraq on Saturday.
“It’s impossible to happen but it happened,” the Dutchman said of Saudi Arabia’s equaliser. “We didn’t mark very well between the lines, so the wingers could come in on our defence. That’s impossible to happen but it happened."
“We couldn’t get a grip after the 1-0 and we conceded easy goals. I’m very disappointed but we have still a game to play.
“We played against a good team, so we don’t put our head down. We play Iraq in three days, so now it’s time to analyse and come back stronger because in the game against Iraq we need to win. That’s a fact.”
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