October 8, 2025 | 03:39 pm
TEMPO.CO , Jakarta - The Saudi Arabian national football team is entering the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a new tactical edge that could spell trouble for Indonesia.
Beyond their experience and technical quality, the Green Falcons now boast the expertise of a Premier League set-piece specialist.
The team, led by coach Hervé Renard, has enlisted the help of Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s renowned set-piece coach and the mastermind behind the London club’s remarkable efficiency from dead-ball situations.
Jover was first spotted working with the Saudi squad during their training camp in the Czech Republic last month and has now joined them again ahead of crucial matches against Indonesia and Iraq.
Jover’s presence is far from trivial. Since the 2023–2024 Premier League season, Arsenal have scored 36 goals from set pieces, the highest tally in the league. Renard is reportedly eager to replicate that level of precision and unpredictability with Saudi Arabia.
Tactically, Jover’s set-piece system relies on two key elements: planned random movement and control of the vital area in front of goal.
When taking corners, players do not immediately spread out. Instead, they cluster in small groups before making unpredictable runs toward the delivery point.
This movement pattern makes it difficult for defenders to identify the intended target, often allowing smaller players to break through, similar to how Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber operates under Jover’s setup.
For Indonesia, this means heightened defensive discipline will be crucial. Players such as Kevin Diks, Jay Idzes, Justin Hubner, and Rizky Ridho must maintain compact positioning and resist being drawn out by Saudi’s deceptive movements.
Another hallmark of Jover’s tactics involves disrupting the goalkeeper’s line of sight. Arsenal often assign one or two players to subtly obstruct the keeper without committing fouls — an approach that frequently leads to goals as the goalkeeper struggles to track the ball.
Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes will need to remain alert, preserve visibility, and avoid being dragged into unnecessary physical battles.
Mental resilience will also be key. Middle Eastern teams, including Saudi Arabia, are known for using tempo and psychological pressure to unsettle opponents.
Small provocations in the box can easily distract defenders and trigger emotional reactions. The Garuda squad must keep their composure to avoid unnecessary cards or defensive lapses.
Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al-Tambakti and Abdulelah Al-Amri are typically the main aerial targets during set pieces, supported by tall midfielder Mohamed Kanno, who often makes late runs from deep positions. Up front, Firas Al-Buraikan and Saleh Al-Shehri remain the primary attacking threats.
One thing is clear: Saudi Arabia have evolved. They no longer rely solely on long balls or wing play but now integrate meticulously planned set-piece strategies.
Indonesia must be on high alert. The Saudi team they face in Jeddah this week will be far more dangerous than the one they defeated at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in November 2024.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Head-to-Head Record and Last Five Matches in Saudi Arabia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's Head-to-Head Record and Last Five Matches in Saudi Arabia
47 menit lalu
In their last five away matches in Saudi Arabia, the Indonesian national football team has managed one draw and suffered four defeats.
Italy Expects More Protesters Than Fans in World Cup Qualifiers Match Against Israel
3 jam lalu
The Italy vs Israel match is expected to draw more pro-Palestine demonstrators outside the football stadium than football fans.
Indonesian Govt Opens Building Consultation Services for Islamic Boarding Schools
3 jam lalu
The Ministry of Public Works records that only 51 out of 43,000 Islamic boarding schools have obtained Building Approval Permits.
Jay Idzes on Indonesia's World Cup Hopes: 'Difficult, But Not Impossible'
4 jam lalu
The Indonesian national team will face Saudi Arabia in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 12:15 a.m.
Safenet: Bjorka's Claims Reveal Weaknesses in Indonesian National Police's Digital Security System
5 jam lalu
A person claiming to be the notorious hacker Bjorka has claimed to have released the data of 341,000 Indonesian Police personnel.
World Bank Highlights One in Seven People in China and Indonesia Are Unemployed
6 jam lalu
Head of the World Bank for East Asia and Pacific points out the challenges faced by the younger generation in obtaining decent jobs.
Aceh Police Arrest Suspects in Sumatran Tiger Organ Trafficking Case
6 jam lalu
The Aceh Police urge the public not to be involved in or support hunting, trading, or owning protected wildlife such as a Sumatran Tiger in Indonesia.
Indonesian Ulema Council Rejects Israeli Gymnasts' Arrival in Jakarta
7 jam lalu
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on all parties to reject Israeli artistic gymnastics team, which is rumored to be competing in Indonesia
10 Best Dumplings in the World, Including Indonesia's Siomay
17 jam lalu
Indonesia's siomay proudly joins the list of the best dumplings in the world, recognized as a global staple for its comforting flavors.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Indonesia vs. Saudi Arabia Match Prediction
18 jam lalu
Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia in the opening match of Group B in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone.
