Expensive Price of Indonesian National Team’s Victory Over Saudi Arabia, 2 Pillars Absent Against Australia

The kick-off whistle for the Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia match was blown by the referee from Uzbekistan, Rustam Lutfullin. At the same time, there was a duel between China and Japan at the Xiamen Egret Stadium.

Indonesia almost scored an early goal. Marselino Ferdinan escaped the offside trap from Rizky Ridho’s pass. Unfortunately his shot only hit the goalpost. The Indonesian national team then failed to create a chance from the corner kick which was then created.

Garuda got another chance at the start of the match. However, Ragnar Oratmangoen’s kick and Marselino Ferdinan’s header were still blocked by the opposing defender.

Next it was Rafael Struick’s turn to have a chance. However, escaping the offside trap, his downward shot went off target after hitting goalkeeper Ahmed Al Kassar’s leg. Again, the national team failed to miss the opportunity from the corner kick that was created.

Saudi Arabia successfully weathered Indonesian pressure and began to produce various opportunities. Feras Al Buraikan’s header went wide. The Green Falcons also created a dangerous situation in Indonesia’s defense.

Disaster for Indonesia, the video assistant referee (VAR) called the referee to check the incident involving Justin Hubner. Luckily, after checking the replay, Hubner only got a yellow card.

Saudi Arabia’s dirty tactics exposed. Feras Al Buraikan fell after being involved in a duel with Jay Idzes. However, VAR found he simply had no contact.

Another Saudi Arabian player also fell, but the referee was not provoked. From the counter attack, Marselino Ferdinan put Indonesia ahead in the 32nd minute.

In the condition of being left behind, Saudi Arabia implemented a new tactic through long-range kicks. However, one attempt was caught by Maarten Paes. Meanwhile, other additions are still soaring. The match is now 40 minutes old.

The ball bounced off the Saudi Arabian defense. However, Rafael Struick and Ragnar Oratmangoen failed to maximize their opportunities. Justin Hubner also missed the moment from the corner kick created. Due to the many incidents that occurred, the officials added eight minutes to the end of the first half.

Hassan Al Tambakti received a yellow card after tripping Marselino Ferdinan, following in the footsteps of Justin Hubner in the referee’s naughty book. Sandy Walsh then sent a long ball behind the Saudi Arabian defense. Calvin Verdonk welcomed, unfortunately his kick went off target.

Not long after, it was Rizky Ridho’s turn to be the hero by blocking Feras Al Buraikan’s kick. The first round then finished.