British media predicts Indonesia's chances for the World Cup after the match against Saudi Arabia

Despite a thrilling 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia, ESPN asserts that Indonesia can still dream of the World Cup and that their inspiring journey "is far from over."

According to ESPN, this has been a rollercoaster journey for the Indonesian team since the start of the qualifying campaign, but they have demonstrated admirable resilience against much stronger opponents. The defeat to Saudi Arabia was described as "a chaotic and dramatic night," where "three penalties and a red card pushed the match beyond the bounds of a normal game."

“Although unable to produce another upset result against Saudi Arabia, Indonesia showed they are not easily defeated,” the article commented.

Kevin Diks opened the scoring for Indonesia in the 11th minute after VAR confirmed a handball by Hassan Al-Tambakti, but shortly after, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalized with a precise long-range shot. In the 36th minute, Yakob Sayuri pulled Firas Al-Buraikan’s shirt inside the box, awarding Saudi Arabia a penalty and a 2-1 lead. In the second half, Al-Buraikan completed his brace to make it 3-1 before Indonesia reduced the deficit to 2-3 in the 88th minute with the third penalty of the match, following a handball by defender Boushal.

The added time grew even tenser when substitute Mohamed Kanno was sent off just four minutes after coming on due to two yellow cards. However, “a lack of sharpness in attack prevented Indonesia from capitalizing on their numerical advantage, despite making their opponents sweat in the final moments.”

Despite the loss, ESPN emphasizes that this is not the end. “Indonesia must hold on to their World Cup dream despite this painful defeat,” the newspaper wrote. With the new qualifying format, their chances remain if they defeat Iraq in the next round.

“If a three-way tie occurs, goal difference will decide, and Diks’ second goal might mean more than just consolation.”

In conclusion, ESPN affirms: “Indonesia’s journey is not over yet. They simply need to keep believing and fighting. Until the final whistle of the qualifiers blows, Indonesia can continue dreaming of the World Cup.”

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