JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia defeated Indonesia 3-2 on Wednesday to advance within 90 minutes of qualifying. 2026 world cup.
A victory against Iraq, which will also be played in Jeddah next Tuesday, will ensure Saudi Arabia will finish first in Group B and qualify for their seventh World Cup.
In the fourth round of the Asian Qualifier, only the winners of the two groups of three will automatically qualify for the tournament. 2nd place will advance to the 5th round.
Indonesia, coached by former Netherlands international and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, took the lead in the 11th minute with a penalty kick from Kevin Dieks. Six minutes later, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalized, and in the 37th minute, Firas Alburaikan’s penalty gave Saudi Arabia the lead.
Al Buraican scored again just after the hour mark, but Dix converted his second penalty in the 89th minute. Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno was sent off in stoppage time in the second half, but the hosts held on to win.
If Indonesia loses to Iraq on Saturday, it will have no chance of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1938.
In Group A, Qatar drew 0-0 with Oman at Al Rayyan.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said: “We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team who defended well and narrowed down the spaces.” “Despite that, we created some chances but couldn’t convert them into goals.”
Oman, the only team to reach the fourth round who have never played in a World Cup, will face the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Oman coach Carlos Queiroz said: “A draw today would be the best result for both teams. A loss would hurt our chances of qualifying for the World Cup.” “We don’t have much time until we play against the UAE, but we want to prepare well to make our World Cup dream come true.”
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