'Home side' Indonesia started the game with a healthy dose of Dutch-Indonesian players, with right-back Yakob Sayuri, winger Beckham Putra, and striker Ricky Kambuaya the only non-Dutch starters in Patrick Kluivert's team. The former Ajax and Barcelona striker missed a couple of key players in Jeddah, including goalkeeper Emil Audero.
Indonesia started the game on top and found an early lead when Pasukan Garuda were given a penalty in the 10th minute following a lengthy VAR check. Borussia Monchengladbach right-back Kevin Diks took responsibility and slotted the ball in the bottom right corner.
Saudi Arabia wasted little time hitting back via Saleh Abu Al Shamat, who struck gold with an effort from distance that beat Maarten Paes in the bottom corner in the 17th minute.
After Nawaf Mashari Abdulrahman Boushal's effort was saved by Paes, and goal scorer Al Shamat hit the crossbar, Saudi Arabia cried out for a penalty when Sayuri pulled Firas Al-Buraikan to the ground, Kuwaiti referee Ahmed Al-Ali converged with the VAR and pointed to the spot in the 33rd minute.
Firas stepped up himself and handed Saudi Arabia their first lead of the day, despite Paes getting a firm hand on the ball.
Following the break, Paes kept Indonesia in it with a stellar save to a header from Firas Al-Buraikan, who still got his second of the day after the FC Dallas stopper poorly parried the ball away and got the striker a free shot at goal.
A sense of complacency snuck into the Saudi team following the 3-1, giving Indonesia some opportunities to get back in contention via substitute Ole Romeny and Thom Haye, but efforts from both men missed accuracy.
Al-Ali pointed to the spot a third time after Nawaf Boushal dived for the ball and punched it away in the box, giving Kevin Diks a golden opportunity to score his second goal for Indonesia. Al Nassr goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi got a hand to it, but couldn't stop Diks' effort as Indonesia were back in it in the 88th minute.
Saudi Arabia were reduced to ten men by Al-Ali, who showed substitute Mohamed Kanno two rapid yellow cards for time-wasting and protesting, sending the unofficial hosts into the final minutes a man down.
Indonesia's late kick-and-rush football amounted to nothing, sending Merah Putih home with everything to fight for. Indonesia continue their FIFA World Cup qualifying fight on Saturday against Iraq, whereas Saudi Arabia will take on Iraq on Tuesday, October 14th.