Turning Points and Tactics: Saudi Victory Sparks Praise, Warnings, and a Dash of Locker-Room Comedy

Match turnarounds and tactical praise

Saudi Arabia staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Indonesia in the opening leg of the AFC World Cup qualifiers playoff, turning a deficit into a statement victory and leaving a clear path toward the finals pending the Iraq game on October 14.

Reaction among former stars was mixed, but there was a broad consensus on the importance of the three points and a sense that there were positives to build on amid the late drama.

Renard, selections, and standout performances

Sami Al-Jaber highlighted the coach’s game management, stressing that Renard’s selections, especially players who regularly feature for their clubs, helped shape the win. He noted the team’s ability to navigate a tight game while staying compact and purposeful in attack.

Al-Jaber meant every word when he said the result matters most: the qualifiers are tougher in spots, but a win over Indonesia trims the road to qualification by a significant margin. He also pointed to Renard’s willingness to start players who are in rhythm with their clubs.

Al-Jaber also praised the young talents who stepped up in the absence of some regulars. He singled out Saleh Abu Shamat for a golazo that opened the scoring and suggested that if he maintains that level, a bright national-team future awaits him, especially with his explosive direct play from the right into the heart of the attack.

He added that the substitutions, which involved regulars from their clubs, could be a sign of a balanced rotation going forward, including players like Ayman Yahya who adapted well despite changes in position at times.

Discipline, depth, and the Dosari question

Despite the excitement, Al-Jaber warned about discipline and physical readiness. He noted that Saleh Abu Shamat’s development is encouraging but cautioned that the physical demands of high-level football require careful conditioning.

Charmingly blunt, he also touched on the sending-off of Kanoo—two quick bookings that altered the late minutes and forced the team to rethink how they defend a lead. The former midfielder suggested that Kanoo must show more caution and game-awareness, especially against a referee he has faced before, Ahmed Al-Ali.

On the matter of Dosari’s fitness, Al-Jaber admitted that his condition has waned since the Club World Cup, despite his high potential. The coach’s use of him remains a talking point as the team plots its course through the remainder of qualifying.

Sami also praised a celebration gesture from the squad in memory of Fahd Al-Muwallad, who was sidelined by injury, noting that the spirit and energy from the group felt present on the pitch against Indonesia.

Looking ahead, he argued that media pressure should not overshadow the players’ mission and that focus must remain on decisive performances from players who have historically delivered, such as Nawaf Al-Abed, Fahd Al-Muwallad, and others who have left their mark in Asia’s football landscape.

Hussein Abdulghani’s broader view and the fans’ role

Hussein Abdulghani underscored how the match conditions and the early goal increased psychological pressure on the Saudis, especially given past results against Indonesia. He warned against repeating earlier mistakes against Iraq and stressed that competing teams from the region push hard for glory, aided by a strong Saudi domestic league.

Abdulghani praised Saleh Abu Shamat’s performance and urged keeping the media pressure on the player at a sane level to avoid undermining his confidence. He even suggested opening the Iraq match’s stands to fans for free to amplify the atmosphere and support returns to the arena where football belongs.

Regarding the return of Saleh Dosari, Abdulghani echoed the idea that his comeback is crucial for the national team and that fans should hope for peak form as the qualifying campaign progresses.

In sum, Abdulghani’s assessment recognized the positives in the team’s resilience and growth and urged continued focus on improving across all positions as the journey to the World Cup continues.

Punchline time: If football had wind, Renard would tell it to stop, because the match clock already did. Punchline two: with a squad this sharp, even a sniper would blink at the precision of some of those through-balls.