Saudi Arabia fought back from behind to claim a thrilling 3–2 victory over Indonesia in Group B of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday, with Feras Al-Brikan’s brace boosting their hopes of securing a berth at next year’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Kevin Diks put Indonesia ahead in the 11th minute from the penalty spot, but Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalized just six minutes later. Al-Brikan then turned the game around, converting a penalty before halftime and adding another goal in the 62nd minute with a composed close-range finish.
Although Diks pulled one back with a late penalty two minutes from time, the Saudis held firm despite Mohammed Kanno’s injury-time red card, sealing a vital win for Hervé Renard’s side.
The victory means Saudi Arabia now face Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday, knowing a win will guarantee their place in December’s World Cup draw. Meanwhile, Indonesia and Iraq will meet on Saturday in another decisive Group B clash.
Six of Asia’s eight automatic World Cup spots have already been filled by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, with a potential ninth place up for grabs through an intercontinental playoff in March.