2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Saudi Arabia Coach Herve Renard Says ...
November 20, 2024 | 06:25 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia National Team coach, Herve Renard, considers his team deservedly punished with a 0-2 defeat against Indonesian National Team in the third round match of the Asia zone World Cup Qualifiers, on Tuesday.
In the match held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia's two winning goals were scored by young midfielder Marselino Ferdinan.
"Congratulations to the Indonesian National Team, they deserved to win this afternoon. They started the match with a good intensity. So, we were punished tonight. Therefore, I say once again, I accept this challenge," Renard said in a press conference after the match.
This defeat drops Saudi Arabia to fourth place in Group C standings. Mathematically, they still have a chance to qualify for the next round as they have the same points as Australia and Indonesia.
"Obviously Japan will finish far ahead, and all of us (other teams in Group C) are still fighting for the second spot. We will try to finish in the second place," said the coach who led Saudi Arabia to defeat Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.
"As I said, Indonesia deserves to win today. But this is only one match (there are still other matches to come), and in the end, we will achieve our goal," Renard stated.
Renard expressed his concern as his team once again failed to score. Saudi Arabia indeed has a poor record of scoring and conceding goals in Group C, with three goals scored and six goals conceded.
"We didn't score in many matches. That's the reality. We conceded from set pieces and counterattacks," he said.
"We couldn't defend (properly). Football is simple, Indonesia really fought hard, they played well, showed quality (which led them to beat Saudi Arabia)," he added.
Saudi will play their seventh and eighth matches in Group C by hosting China on March 20, 2025, and traveling to Bahrain on March 25.
Editor's Choice: Shin Tae-yong Reveals Key to Indonesia's Win Over Saudi Arabia in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Profile of Marselino Ferdinan a.k.a. Wonderkid, Who Scores Brace Against Saudi Arabia
8 jam lalu
The Indonesian national team defeated Saudi Arabia in the ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with a score of 2-0. Both goals for Indonesia were scored by Marselino Ferdinan.
Today's Top 3 News: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Saudi Arabia Coach Herve Renard Says Indonesian National Team Deserves to Win
17 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Herve Renard's Profile: The Coach of Saudi Arabia Football Team
20 jam lalu
Herve Renard is currently the head coach of the Saudi Arabian football team. Read more about Herv Renard's profile and career in brief here.
Get to Know Ivar Jenner: Naturalized Player in Indonesia's Football Team
23 jam lalu
Ivar Jenner is among the most outstanding naturalized players joining the Indonesian national football team. Here is some trivia about him.
Prabowo Expresses Gratitude for Indonesian National Team's Victory Against Saudi Arabia
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto appreciates the Indonesian national football team's 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Meet Marselino Ferdinan, An Indonesian Hero Who Scored Against Saudi Arabia
1 hari lalu
Marselino Ferdinan is basking in the limelight after securing victory for Indonesia. Let's delve deeper into the life and career of this rising star.
Indonesian National Team Surpasses Vietnam and Thailand in World Cup Qualifiers History by Beating Saudi Arabia 2-0
1 hari lalu
The Indonesia national team exceeded the achievements of Vietnam and Thailand in the history of the Asia zone third round World Cup Qualifiers after defeating Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia's Marselino Ferdinan Explains Why He Sat on Ball Boy Chair After Scoring into Saudi Arabia's Goal
1 hari lalu
Indonesian national team midfielder, Marselino Ferdinan, is in the spotlight after successfully bringing the Garuda squad to win 2-0 against Saudi Arabia.
Ivar Jenner Talks About 'Dirty' Tactics of Saudi Players as the Indonesian National Team Wins 2-0
1 hari lalu
Indonesian national team player Ivar Jenner said that the 'dirty' game applied by Saudi Arabia is something that can usually happen in football.
Erick Thohir Hails Indonesian National Team After Beating Saudi Arabia 2-0; Talks About Tactical Changes & Qualification Chances
1 hari lalu
General Chair of Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir appreciates performance of Indonesia National Team after securing 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
