Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Jakarta: Youssef Al Salem scored with a pair of delightful headers as Saudi Arabia came from a goal down to beat Indonesia 2-1 at a rainy Gelora Bungkarno on Saturday to open up a three-point lead in Group C of the Asian Cup 2015 qualifiers.
In a match played in the midst of a torrential downpour, it was the home side that grabbed a surprise lead early on when Boaz Salossa capitalised on a Saudi defensive error to put his team ahead.
However Al Salem put the Saudis back on level terms with a firm header 10 minutes later and he then nodded in a cross by Sultan Al Beshi early in the second half to maintain his team’s perfect record in the group.
It was the third win in a row for Juan Lopez since he took charge of the Saudi national team two months ago and the Spaniard praised his players for their fighting spirit.
“We faced a strong team with an organised defence so we had to try to score from every angle,” said Lopez who replaced Frank Rijkaard after the team flopped at the Gulf Cup in January.
“We have many scoring options because we have skilful players who can play well individually and collectively. Indonesia's goal surprised us but we kept our composure and we turned the table.
“The group is very strong and very competitive. Each team wants to qualify and every match is a like a final. However, we should keep our feet on the ground and focus on our next match.”
Indonesia have never beaten the Saudis in an international match but they adapted quicker to the wet conditions in Jakarta and they took the lead after only five minutes.
There appeared to be little danger when goalkeeper Kurnia Hermansyah launched a long clearance into the Saudi half. But a slip by defender Mansour Al Harbi allowed Salossa to take possession on the edge of the box and the Garuda skipper curled a delightful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah before the Saudi defence could recover.
The visitors were stunned by the early strike but they responded well and got back on level terms in the 15th minute. Nawaf Al Abid found space on the right flank and sent in a cross that was met with a firm header by Al Salem that beat Hermansyah at his near post.
While the Saudis dominated proceedings, it was not until the 56th minute that they took the lead for the first time.
The goal was similar to the first but this time it was Al Beshi who delivered the telling cross that was met once again by Al Salem who outjumped the Indonesian defence to plant a firm header past Hermansyah.
Roared on by the home supporters, the hosts pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes but could not find a way past the Saudi defence as they suffered their second consecutive loss in the group.
“I would like to congratulate Saudi Arabia. They deserved to win the match,” said Indonesia caretaker coach Rahmad Darmawan.
“However, I would also like to show my appreciation to my players as they put their best effort on the pitch.
“Although we scored an early goal, the players played nervously in the first half but they overcame their nerves in the second half and played better. But it was too late and we paid the price for our nervousness.
“I think we still have a chance to qualify but we need more international friendlies to warm-up for these types of game. So whoever will be at the helm for the next match needs to ask the federation to set up more friendly matches.“