SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia's head coach, Hervé Renard, acknowledged that his team deserved the 0-2 loss to Indonesia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, November 19. 

The match, held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, saw young midfielder Marselino Ferdinan scoring both goals for the hosts. 

"Congratulations to the Indonesian national team; they deserved to win this afternoon," Renard said during the post-match press conference as quoted from Antara. "They started the game with great intensity, so we were punished tonight. I accept this challenge," he added.  

The loss dropped Saudi Arabia to fourth place in Group C. However, they remain mathematically in contention for the fourth round, sharing the same points as Australia and Indonesia.  

"Clearly, Japan will finish far ahead, and the rest of us (the other teams in Group C) are fighting for second place. We’ll do our best to secure that spot," said Renard, who famously led Saudi Arabia to a stunning victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.  

Renard emphasized that Indonesia's victory was well-earned. "As I said, Indonesia deserved to win today. But this is just one match, and in the end, we will achieve our goals," he stated.  

He also expressed concern over his team's struggles in scoring. Saudi Arabia has a poor goal record in Group C, with just three goals scored and six conceded.  

"We haven't scored in many games. That’s the reality. We conceded goals from set pieces and counter-attacks," he explained.  

"Our defense has not been solid enough. Football is simple; Indonesia worked hard, played well, and showed quality to secure their victory against us," Renard concluded.  

Saudi Arabia's next Group C matches are scheduled for March 20, 2025, at home against China and March 25, 2025, away against Bahrain.