Preview of World Cup Qualifiers: Saudi Arabia Aims for a Strong Start at Home While Indonesia Seeks to Make History with Their Naturalized Players

On September 6th at 2 AM, the first match of Group C in the Asian qualifiers’ top 18 round will see Saudi Arabia host Indonesia. Saudi Arabia is striving for a winning start, while Indonesia aims to make history by securing at least a draw.

The Saudi team achieved a record of four wins, one draw, and one loss over six rounds during the top 36 stage, advancing smoothly with 12 goals scored and three conceded. Indonesia, grouped with Iraq and Vietnam, secured three wins, one draw, and two losses, finishing second in their group ahead of Vietnam with eight goals scored and eight conceded.

The entire Saudi Arabian squad has an estimated value of 34 million euros, including key players such as Al-Buraikan, Abdulhamid, and Dawasari, all of whom have been included in Mancini’s latest training roster. The Indonesian team, valued at 16 million euros, is led by overseas-based players like Wierdome and Izzah in their training roster, boasting a notably strong contingent of naturalized players.

Saudi Arabia currently ranks 56th globally and is the third-seeded team in their group, whereas Indonesia stands at 133rd, making them the lowest-ranked team in the group, entering Group C as a sixth-seeded team.

The last appearances for both teams were in June. After securing early qualification for the top 18, Saudi Arabia lost 1-2 to Jordan in their final top 36 match. Indonesia played three games in June, drawing 0-0 with Tanzania in a friendly, losing 0-2 to Iraq in the top 36, but concluding with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines.

The two teams have met six times since the 2004 World Cup qualifiers, with Saudi Arabia recording five wins and one draw against Indonesia. Notably, aside from a 0-0 friendly draw in 2011, Saudi Arabia won all five official matches. However, their most recent encounter dates back to 2014, a decade ago.

Compared to their meeting ten years ago, both teams have undergone significant changes, particularly Indonesia, which has transformed substantially due to the inclusion of naturalized players. Of course, Saudi Arabia, playing at home, is eager to secure a winning start. Meanwhile, Indonesia, who participated in the World Cup in 1938, is making its debut in the final stage of the Asian qualifiers, and any points earned will mark a historic achievement.

>>For more predictions and analysis on this match, click >>>